The Power of Our Words

We are often very aware of how the words of others affect us. The way they raise our emotions. The way a few simple words can lift our spirits and have us mentally floating in bliss all day. Or maybe the way some words linger in our mind like the tragic scene from an accident. At times someone's words can be like a crippling poison that paralyzes our ambition, disrupts our focus, and forever deforms us like crushed aluminum foil, that never can be returned to its original smoothness without the crinkles. Sometimes the right words can seem like a steroid that charges our spirit with motivation and inspiration, and energizes us to accomplish things we procrastinated doing or just didn't have the courage to do.

If words could be traced by a computer as they enter our ears and minds we would see powerful colors with intense shades and hues. We would see everything from pitch onyx black, to bright Sunkist orange, or a relaxing Carolina blue that was suddenly pierced by a crimson red as ran from our head and transitioned to our heart.

They aren't slaps, kicks, punches, kisses, caresses, or hugs but the way words affect us they might as well be sometimes. We are so aware of how the words of others fall down on us like rain. We wait for them, expect them, are surprised by them, uplifted by them, dumbfounded by them and even mentally frozen in time by them.


When the energy of the words overwhelm us, and overflows within us, we will often discharge how they make us feel through our mouths. Often times with more emotional articulation than intelligence we will discharge an arsenal of verbal weaponry intended to damage and disrupt the emotions of a another.


Sometimes we plot and plan and choose wisely the right words to inspire, cheer up, manipulate, convince, corrupt or dismantle the spirit of another. Other times we are foolishly unaware of how a casual "you look nice" livens the heart, or how a nonchalant  "no" pours like water and outs a barely lit candle.


I have learned over time, how harsh and hurtful my words can come across to others, especially loved ones, even when I have no intention of hurting them. Often times I feel so misunderstood.  A perceived harmless email, casual conversation or remark often packs the power of a round house right punch when I thought it was coming across as a firm grasp on the shoulder. Obviously there is much work to be done on my choice of words and the delivery of them.


I'm sure you are aware of how the words or others affect you. Have you ever thought how your words no matter how casual, affect others ?


Please share your thoughts.