Choosing the right words with care and compassion is a skill, an art, a talent. There’s a Proverb that says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Our words have the power to bring light and life to a situation or person; and they have power to bring death and destruction to a situation or person.
The ability to choose the right words is like having a superpower. The impact can be magical or disastrous, but we have a choice. Words can bridge a gap, mend a broken heart, convey a message, build connections, heal, and hurt, sometimes all in the same sentence. Words Matter! Words can inspire, include, encourage, empower, console, transform, defeat, disappoint, discourage, depress, diminish… Think before you speak and choose your words wisely.
“ Speak only when silence won’t do.” These words resonate with me every day, and I’ve even shared them when someone asked me why I had gone quiet during a conversation. Silence has the unique ability to communicate a message and to ignite emotions. Words do, too. Do I choose words, or do I choose silence?
Sometimes that’s a tough decision, sometimes it’s a matter of the head, sometimes a matter of the heart. When I’m struggling to communicate, or when I decide to dance around a crucial conversation I need to have, I whisper to myself, “WORDS MATTER”. They absolutely do. When I choose words, how do I decide what words to use? How do you decide what words to use? Do you even think about it, or do you just let ‘er rip, whatever comes up, comes out?
I’m sure we’ve all had some of those moments of not thinking before we speak. I sure have. Words are powerful…please forgive me, thank you, I apologize, I appreciate you, I didn’t mean to hurt you, that made me smile, you’ve hurt my feelings, you’ve made me cry… Words tell stories, they educate, they carry weight, they make a difference.
Sometimes words are received and perceived in a totally different space from the intent and purpose of the message. When that happens, although we cannot retrieve the words from the atmosphere or from the ears of the recipient, we can attempt to reconnect by using much different, more intentional words…words that mend, repair, rebuild, replace.
When I’ve made a poor word choice and delivery, it has had a negative impact on my spirit, my demeanor, my being. I find myself wishing I had taken the time to think before I spoke, texted, emailed, opened my mouth, and inserted my foot.
I only hope that when I’ve chosen the wrong words, once I go into recovery mode to ask the person on the other end of my improper expression of words to forgive me and to let me explain what I really meant…I only hope that they are receptive to my request so we can begin the journey of healing from that situation or mishap.
Sometimes as the offender, it crosses my mind more than that of the person I’ve offended. What’s important is that we own it, act on it, and rephrase our words, on purpose.
Because words are so important, won’t you join me by making a commitment to listen more actively, and to communicate with more compassion, thought and caring?
I encourage you to think before you choose words or choose silence, and once you choose words, make sure they matter in a positive way…to heal, inspire, encourage, uplift, transform, bring joy, all the things that matter to ALFA.
