There used to be a time when words like fat, bitch, slut, whore and so many more drove me crazy and angered me. We grow up learning the power of words, and it's time we take control of how those very words affect us. I made a choice a VERY long time ago to remove the power of those words and stop letting others control my happiness, emotions, and ultimately how I feel about myself with THEIR words.
“Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.”
Considering the ‘powerful force’ of the words we utter, we must also consider how much power we give words. Regardless of the intention behind what is said, YOU dictate the overall outcome of how it will ultimately affect you. Remove the reaction and negative affect the words has, you remove the power from the person using it.
Many people are compelled to give voice to any passing feeling, thought or impression they have. They randomly dump the contents of their mind without regard to the significance of what they are saying. For example, when we talk about trivial matters as in gossiping about others, our attention is wasted on trivialities.
You would hope that others would speak with mindfulness, in a way to solidify peace and compassion in our characters. Understanding that our words matter, but also the tone which we use has a huge impact on how they are received, interpreted and the overall outcome of communication.
It is said that there are certain rules that should guide all our communications with others. Always speak the truth, avoid exaggerations, be consistent in what you are saying, don’t use double standards in addressing people, don’t use your words to manipulate others, and most importantly do not use words to insult or belittle anyone.
When we need to talk candidly about something difficult with another person, we must focus on the conversation with keen attention and purpose. During the conversation, we must listen patiently, speak tactfully, and tell the truth as we understand it. We must align our words, voice inflection and tone, eye expression, body language, and actions with our inner awareness in an honest exchange.
My intent is to speak positivity into others with words that will encourage and empower them. Changing the world isn't just about donating millions of dollars to charities and acts of kindness, it is also about how we feed others with words. Often how we are spoken to is a mirror image of how we speak to others. What do your words say about you?
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