What You Say Really Does
Matter
Have you ever spoken unkindly to someone? Did the words
profoundly affect that person? Words are powerful; and when
they are used to hurt someone, they can be devastating. The
words you speak and the things you say do have a huge affect
not only on yourself, but others as well. Yes, what you say
really does matter.
Have you ever called yourself stupid, dumb, idiot? Have you
berated yourself in front of the mirror because you feel fat?
Do you realize every word you say is being processed by your
subconscious and, in some cases, imbeds itself there? Thus, it
begins to seep into your conscious self and the feelings of
self-worth begin to dissipate.
What you say ultimately translates into eventual belief. If
you utter to yourself, “I’m not very good at soccer,” you will
never succeed in that sport. You are setting up a defeatist
attitude even before you begin. When you begin a thought or a
sentence with a negative word, your expectations can never be
realized.
So too, you may call someone an idiot. While you may
apologize, the word has already been spoken; you can’t take it
back. The person on the receiving end of the insult may take it
to heart, and can be changed forever. We live in a world where
words are used to attack, cajole, embrace, nurture, disengage,
provoke and inspire. We not only hurt ourselves, we hurt others
as well. Anger, frustration, and disappointment contribute to
the misuse of words. Even though the aftermath of unkind words
are realized, we still do it. Perhaps the old adage is true,
“If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at
all.”
It is important to realize the affect words have on us.
Whether we mean to say them or not, said often enough they can
transform the very essence of who we are. Children are
especially vulnerable to words. Yet, we continue to use unkind
and often insensitive words as a disciplinary measure.
Eventually, they grow up with low self-esteem, or painfully
shy, or feel they are worth anything at all.
The next time you speak, think about the words you are about
to impart. Choose them wisely when speaking to your peers, and
cautiously when speaking to children. Understand that one word
can positively or negatively affect someone’s life; even your
own.
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