NdukuOutLoud

Words are everywhere-no, really, the very word ‘world’ has ‘word’ in it! Too cheesy? Maybe. But it’s also true. Words surround us;they are used on use, and we use them on others. We’re often reminded of their power and the need to be cautious about how we use them, especially on ourselves, as they affect our self-perception and how we handle life’s challenges. Important stuff, right? After all, we often get what we speak into existence. Even the ‘Big Man’ upstairs allegedly spoke the universe into existence. Just spoke. Impressive, right?

Words can build or break relationships. Unspoken words might hinder growth and fuel animosity. Words can fuel revolutions leading to the freedom for previously un-free races or result in tragic events in gas chambers.

It’s curious, then, how we know this yet still use them carelessly. And by carelessly, I do not mean using ‘bad’ words. I mean using words without sufficient attention, not using words that befit a situation. Sure, negativity is wrong, but that’s not our focus today. If anything, it’s getting increasingly difficult to put into words what I want to say. But I’ll try.

Words have the incredible ability to influence our responses to events,people-everything, really. The words we use and those used on us greatly determine our reactions. Our response to ‘sad’ may differ from ‘depressed’. Saying ‘we’re worthless’ instead of admitting that we’re just having a bad day can alter the entire trajectory of our day, perhaps our entire life. There are words for every situation, and how we use them shapes the responses we receive and the actions we take or don’t take. We often respond based on the magnitude or weight of the words used. Maybe Eve ate the apple because she was told it was just a fruit. Maybe.

What am I saying? I am suggesting that we shouldn’t be afraid to use the words that truly express what we want to say, as that will elicit appropriate responses. Of course, there are other factors at play: the recipient’s state of mind, the emotions involved, the timing of the conversation, and the situation itself. But we should avoid making small our feelings or blowing everything out of proportion with our words.

Words are like a paintbrush. What are you painting today?