The power of our words.

 

An article I was reading this week talked about the privilege that it is to use our words. 

I keep going back to this - our words are a privilege.

They also carry a lot of power.

I don't really support the sentiment of not taking anything personal, because I believe that anything directed at you is personal! This sentiment only promotes the idea of not having to be responsible with our words and making the person receiving them culpable for how they feel and how they react.  

I truly believe that our words have the power to destroy others or build them up. To create hope or hate. War or peace. To be authentic and honest, or in denial. Encourage or discourage. Diminish or strengthen. Build character or destroy character. Make others feel small, or important and unique.

They carry either wisdom, or ignorance. 

There is also the decision to know if we use our words or we stay quiet. There have been a thousand times I didn't write or post anything because I didn't know what to say. As a writer, I feel a deeper responsibility with my words and how I use them. If I didn't know what to say, respond, or write, it meant it was better to stay quiet. 

There were also the times I wrote something on social media, but deleted it minutes later, in regret. Or the times I said things I shouldn't have said, to others. Or didn't say anything when I should have. 

Or when I used my words at the wrong times.

I am still learning about the responsibility that comes with the power and privilege of my words and thoughts. In opening up to my raw feelings and emotions and knowing how to share them. In raising my children with more kind words instead of harsh ones. 

And to stand up for myself without offending.

Paty ♥
Love. Zeal. Balance.