“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We’ve all heard it before. As kids, we learn are taught not to let teasing and mean words hurt our feelings and make us cry. “They’re just words; they don’t have any power.” But they do. We should never underestimate the power of words. They’re all around us, shaping our daily lives.

I’ve always had a love affair with words. I’ve just always appreciated them: whether they’re in the form of poetry, a well-delivered speech, a mystery novel, or a brilliantly-scripted film or TV show. I’m also very sensitive, and I learned early on just how powerful words can be. Words can make you think, make you laugh, make you cry. They can uplift and inspire you. They can discourage you and make you second-guess yourself. They can enthrall and entertain you. Or they can bore you to death. I love the way words can paint a picture in your mind.

I’ve always been naturally curious. I remember all the times I asked my mom what an unfamiliar word meant. “Look it up,” she would often say, because whenever possible, my parents encouraged me to learn all I could on my own. I’ll never forget the feeling of suspense that built up as I flipped through the pages of the dictionary to find the definition – then the quiet reflection that took place as I digested that new information, trying to make sense of it in the context in which I’d heard it.

I was a quiet child. Growing up, I think sometimes my teachers worried about how quiet I was in class. But when they read my writing, I think they were a little blown away by how many thoughts and opinions I had. I’ve always had a lot to say – I just prefer to express myself through writing. I’m naturally introspective, so writing gives me more time to process information, analyze it, and form conclusions, opinions, and responses. I also try to be careful with my words because I know how powerful they can be. I was fortunate enough to grow up hearing words of encouragement from most of the adults in my life. I’m grateful for that.

On the flipside though, words can also hurt. The same way they can help build you up, they can help tear you down. I think we’re particularly vulnerable during our formative years. That’s why it’s so important for young people to regularly hear positive statements about themselves. Teasing and bullying have been problems for generations: problems that seem to have been amplified by the introduction of social media. Now, even people who aren’t bold enough to do it in person are able to hide behind their computer screens and smartphones and spew their venom virtually, often safely shrouded in anonymity. This gives people courage to say things they’d never have the nerve to say in person. That’s why accountability is important – we have to be mindful of what we say, and how we react to the things other people say.

 

 

It’s hard not to be influenced by the words of others – both positive and negative. But the most important words are the ones we tell ourselves. At the end of the day, the opinions we form about our ourselves are the ones that matter the most, so we have to be careful not to let our self-worth be dependent someone else’s opinions. We have to be careful how we talk about ourselves because sometimes we internalize negative beliefs others have projected onto us without even realizing it. In the same respect, we have to be aware of how we speak to and about others because our words are a reflection of who we are. If I ever have kids, I don’t think I’ll teach them the “sticks and stones” rhyme; I want them to learn early on that words matter.

What kind of impact are you making with your words day to day? What do your words say about you as a person? About who you want to be? No matter what, don’t ever let anyone tell you that your words are meaningless. Your words are powerful beyond belief, and you never know who you might inspire.

Taking into consideration the current state of the world we live in, whatever you choose to say, just strive to make sure your words are well-informed and well-intentioned.

Peace & Love.

 

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