August 12, 2024: Word Power
"The axe forgets, but the tree remembers."
⁃ African proverb
For our own sakes, and for the sakes of those who interact with us, it is sometimes a good idea to take a step back and think about how we talk to other people; the tone we use; the words we use. Our tone and the words used in addressing others can sometimes have a lasting and not necessarily positive impact on the people we care about. Our words, spoken to a child, can have an impact the lasts throughout that child's life; whether they be words of encouragement or words of denigration. Words of encouragement and kindness spoken to a spouse or life partner can encourage them to become a better partner, whereas unkind words once spoken can never be unheard. Harsh, mean words, once spoken, may erect, a permanent barrier to building the kind of closeness, caring, and loving intimacy most of us desire to have with another person. Remember – the person who says hurtful things may not remember them, but the person to whom they were spoken will probably never forget them. Our words have power to hurt or to heal. Using our words to make others better, will make them more enjoyable to be around. So, let’s do ourselves a favor by using kindness and encouragement to help make those around us better.
© 2024 Detroit Flanagan
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