The power of words

I came across a great quote this week that really made me stop and think:

The only words you’ll regret more than the ones you left unsaid, are the ones you used to intentionally hurt someone.

I’ve always taught my kids that when they say something hurtful and wounding, those words will always be out there hurting and wounding, no matter how many times they say “I’m sorry” or even how much they mean that apology. And as a storyteller, you become aware exactly how powerful words can be. With just a handful of them a good writer can make you feel sad or uplifted, threatened or empowered. You can be taken to a strange new universe that becomes part of your world, you can revisit memories, you can be encouraged to look at something familiar in a new and different way. And in being English-speakers we are blessed with a language that is rich in terms of volume of words and of nuance.

Thanks to a horrendous cold I lost my voice for three days a few months ago, I couldn’t even whisper. Not being able to use my words meant I felt isolated at a family meal out as I couldn’t join in the conversation so what was the point in anyone telling me anything as I couldn’t reply and I had to postpone dinner with new friends. These things didn’t really matter so much but in trying to get on with things, going to a shop was really hard – without the ability to say thank you twenty-five times while paying, as is our British way, I felt so rude, and it was clear from the looks I was getting, the cashier thought I was too! Not being able to make a phone call, share any part of my day or my thoughts with anyone else, let’s just say I was so pleased when my voice came back, although making up for three days of silence, I’m not so sure my family was …

Our words are powerful things. Speak kindly. Speak gently.

But also always speak your truth.