MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
Shanti Maria Fonseca
Why Do Words Hurt So Much and Control us so easily. In the words of Sigmund Freud - “Words have a magical power. They can either bring the greatest happiness or the deepest despair.”
THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE WORD: So words are tools of consciousness. However, without meaning, words are just sounds. Permutations and combinations of 26 alphabets giving rise to any number of words. Words which can be of comfort, words of wisdom can instil hope, words can conjure relationships, words which have a lasting impact and words which can break hearts must be avoided. Communication is of paramount importance. Effective communication is determines how everyone interacts with everyone else. “The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” Your words have the power. Speak words that are kind, loving, positive, uplifting, encouraging, and life-giving. If we understood the awesome power of our words, we would prefer silence to almost anything negative. In our thoughts and words, we create our own weaknesses and our own strengths. Our limitations and joys begin in our hearts. Language is called the garment of inner thought He who wants to persuade should put his trust, not in the right argument, but in the right word. Learn the value of a man’s words and expressions, and you know him.
Language organizes our inner life. According to Solomon, life and death are in the power of the tongue; Words, they have the power to build people up, confine people to where they are, and break people down. Choose your words carefully before you utter them to others but most importantly the words you utter to yourself must be positive. Instil belief and hope within yourself. May these quotes inspire you to utter the best words to yourself so that you may achieve your dreams. Don’t mix your words with your mood, you can change your mood but you can’t take back your words.
Be careful what you say. You can say something hurtful in ten seconds, but ten years later, the wounds are still there. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble. The tongue has no bones, but is strong enough to break a heart. So be careful with your words.
Don’t ever diminish the power of words. Words move hearts and hearts move limbs. A broken bone can heal, but the wound a word opens and can fester forever. Good words are worth much, and cost little. We can’t let ourselves forget how important words are. Whether it’s what we say or what we write, we can never forget the power that our words hold. Words are so important. We forget that sometimes. We forget how dangerous and beautiful words can be. Simple words can completely change your life.
The words you write or speak to others can leave a huge impact and create a lasting memory--either good or bad--so it’s super important to choose them wisely. Words can make or break a relationship and your choice of words and the way you express yourself can accelerate or kill your career. Be mindful when it comes to your words. Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can be only forgiven, not forgotten. Words are free. It’s how you use them that may cost you. One kind word can change someone’s entire day. Words carry immeasurable significance: The universe was created with a word. Jesus healed and cast out demons with a word; rulers have risen and fallen by their words; Christians have worshiped through words of song, confession, and preaching. Even in our technological age, politics, education, business, and relationships centre on words. Change your words, change your life. Words are powerful; they have the ability to create a moment and the strength to destroy it. Your words carry amazing power. So when you speak make sure you uplift someone and never put them down. Words can make you or break you. Throughout human history, our greatest leaders and thinkers have used the power of words to transform our emotions, to enlist us in their causes, and to shape the course of destiny. Words cannot only create emotions, they create actions. And from our actions flow the results of our lives.
IN CONCLUSION: Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of desolation. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble. When we speak, we should speak with mindfulness, in a way to solidify peace and compassion in our characters. Not only do our words matter, but also the tone which we use has a huge impact. There are certain rules that should guide all our communications with others. Always speak the truth, avoid exaggerations, be consistent in what you are saying, don’t use double standards in addressing people, don’t use your words to manipulate others, and most importantly do not use words to insult or belittle anyone. Gary Chapman in his book, Love as a Way of Life uses the vivid metaphor for words as being either ‘bullets or seeds’. If we use our words as bullets with a feeling of superiority and condemnation, we are not going to be able to restore a relationship to love. If we use our words as seeds with a feeling of supportiveness and sincere good will, we can rebuild a relationship in positive and life-affirming ways.
(The writer a social scientist and is a senior practicing criminal lawyer)
