The power of words

Words have magical power. They can either bring the greatest happiness or the deepest despair.

~ Sigmund Freud

The words we select and the language we use have the power to affect the people and the world around us.

Words represent our beliefs, values, prejudices, and principles—sometimes in ways we may not intend. The words we choose can not only shape people’s perceptions of us but also influence them.

Because I have grandchildren and aspire to help them be a positive influence on others, I have become more intentional about the words I utter.

For example, I choose not to use the word “hate”. It can be divisive.

Thankfully, there is no thing or person (no matter how misguided) that I do “hate”. I may have a distaste for certain things and dislike the behaviour of certain people, but I don’t “hate” them. In fact, I feel compassion for the misguided.

While choosing the right words does not always come easy, avoiding the word "hate" comes naturally to me now.

Closing thought

Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.

~ Buddha

Words matter. They can shape our reality.

A simple word can wound or heal, create joy or despair, peace or war.

Choose words wisely.