Words

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, But words will never hurt me."

Who wrote this statement anyway and who were they kidding? Misused words can and do hurt us and others and can potentially lead to issues of low self-esteem, depression, and a sense of worthlessness. Words can be viewed as a two-sided coin-heads or tails. Good and bad; resolution and conflict; positive and negative. Words are those strong unseen currents that can shape, form, and create; while at the same time break, destroy, and harm. They have been used to forge documents of freedom and they have been used to seal the fate of nations. They are truly a powerful force that we take for granted and sometimes use negligently.

From a young age, we are told to not let negative words bother us, to ignore them. Yet, words are all around us and they are difficult to ignore when they are explicit and harmful or cause pain and suffering for individuals. Most of us pretend to not let them bother us, or we just choose to look the other way to avoid an awkward situation. But is this right? Should insults or derogatory statements be ignored? I think it is crucial to take a stand against negative words not only when they pertain to us, but also when they pertain to those around us. Most of the time it is not the popular thing to do, but it is the caring, ethical thing to do.

In situations when negative words are being used, is is important to stay calm and not allow the words to illicit a response. Try to keep all emotions under control and refrain from lashing back at the person with negative words. This just feeds the fire. It is okay to get help if needed.

On the flip side of the coin are the positive words. Authentic uplifting statements and positive feedback provide support and relief as individuals are navigating through life, learning a new skill, or facing challenges, for example. Not that we should be dependent upon every word that is spoken to us, but a positive word or good feedback goes a long way when we are going through life.

We can look for opportunities to pass along reaffirming statements and positive statements to those around us. Keep in mind that people know when statements are fake or trite. Keep it authentic, real, and applicable.

Words are valuable! How fortunate we are to have the ability to express ourselves through speech, signs, print, art, and music. This expression is a vital part of being a human being. I think the implication lies in using this expression for good, and not for evil; for progress, and not for destruction.