Powerful Words

There is power in words. 

Words are very powerful. They have the ability to alter moods and redirect people. They can be used for good and evil. They can help us relate or lead us to hate. Words can be a weapon, lesson or tool. 

I read an article recently about a young girl who committed suicide because of bullying on a bus. I have some friends whose son tried to take his life. At the root of a lot of this is probably words. Someone made them feel a certain way that made life hopeless. 

We need to be thoughtful of our words. I know there are times I abuse the power of words. I say things out of spite, anger or frustration. They do damage even when there is no meaning in them. 

On the other side, when words are used to uplift and support, they can be just as powerful. A kind word or some encouragement when you see a coworker or spouse having a bad day can change everything. 

Giving a compliment, even the smallest, can help sunshine bust through the clouds and change everything. I’m in sales and rejection is a part of the process, but it can grind down positivity. When someone tells you that I’m doing a good job, it might be the injection I need to keep driving forward. 

Life is not easy and in the US we set the bar at unattainable heights for happiness. Many of us can’t come close despite hard work, being a good person and doing things the right way. I think many of us live with stress and anxiety because we feel we can’t be equal to others or it just feels like its hopeless. Words can keep the fires going.

My challenge to all of us, and myself, is to try harder to make the people around us happier by offering gratitude. To give a little extra when someone seems down - it can be a simple, “hey I like your shoes”. If we all try just a little harder when we see someone struggling, it could make a bigger difference than you know.