Words stand-alone.
We begin to put them together and form sentences, conveying our thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
At times, our words seem to be as jumbled as putting them on a Scrabble board… random, no real meaning.
Our words can stream out fast and furious or slow and painful. In either case, passion is wrapped around them.
Our stream of words can stay within the flow, leave their rightful boundaries, or break through barriers to create new reservoirs.
Words comfort.
Words hurt.
Words challenge.
Words energize.
Words create.
Words are held in.
Words are blurted out.
Words are ignored.
Words are embraced tightly.
Words invoke, if we listen carefully. Words are more than spoken; they are heard.
Words empower an exchange, a rhythm –
listening, speaking
questioning, understanding
compassion, empathy
Words connect… emotions, passions, sorrow, joy… people.
Your words count.
Another’s words count.
Words matter.
The words we use to speak about our self, the words we don’t speak that we internally say to our self…are possibly the most powerful (for good and harm).
Excellent point, Claire. Very true…. at times, we need to know what to hold on to and what to release. An important thing to do. Thanks again. Jon
Words mean more than the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning and heartfelt cause.
Words become the unspoken whispers of our heart.
Thank you, Lolly, for the great adds. We need to release the whispers of our heart. A great way to be authentic, real…. Thanks. Jon
Inspiring post Jon! As a writer I love words and feel far more comfortable putting my thoughts on paper than voicing them. In fact I wish I had a dollar for every time I felt the need to retrieve words that had tumbled out of my mouth when my brain appears to have gone on break.
Thank you, Marquita. At times, it is easier to write words than voice them. And, even though we make mistakes in spoken words, it always shows just how human we are. Grateful for all your wonderful work. Jon
Well done Jon! Words represent who we are and what we stand for so we better be careful in our selection of them.
Words can bring people together as well as separate them.
They are powerful and can ease pain.
Essential points, Terri. Like this in particular: “Words can bring people together as well as separate them.” An important truth to be aware of. Thank you! Jon
Hi Jon,
This was a very creative post dedicated to the power of words. As someone who is fascinated at the impact of words and how they can make us feel, I would like to add that positive and empowering words can literally change our lives.
As you also said, words connect people. It is a key medium we use to build relationships. Great post.
Thank you.
Thanks so much, Hiten. That means a lot coming from you. Words carry such an impact, and we need to understand this fact in what we say and write. Grateful for your feedback. Jon
Wonderful post Jon.
And I’d have to add, the more authority and power of the person speaking, the greater the impact words have on people….
Parent >> to a child
Teacher >> to a student
Boss >> to an employee
etc.
As leaders/parents/teachers, we don’t want to ‘lead’ only with our words. We want to practice what we preach. And in the context of your post, what we say has the power to build up, instruct, and/or encourage, or it can tear down and take the wind out of someone’s sails. It can also take what little hope people may have and need.
It’s important that we endeavor to become ever more conscious and mindful of our words so that thoughtlessness can be replaced with thoughtfulness.
Thanks for sharing Jon.
Excellent points, Samantha. Authority carries an extra responsibility to get words right, along with positive, supportive actions. As we discussed today in the #PeopleSkills chat, a servant leader needs to be more; it needs to be a servant mindset. With this approach, the words and actions should be delivered in a more meaningful and thoughtful way. Thanks for the added points and insights! Jon
Powerful simplicity, Jon! I was just telling a new acquaintance the other day that words are very powerful. I often have trouble with answering certain questions because I had reactions to the choice of words. Without reframing a question appropriately, I feel I’d be led down a path that I don’t want to go down. Thanks again for calling out the power of words.
Thank you, Alice, for the added insight on how important words are. Appreciate it. Jon.
And words can never be taken back and erased once spoken. Beautiful, Jon!
Thank you, Alli.