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War Of Words

By Gay Barefield Apr 10

Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.
Maya Angelou

I have been bombarded by words lately; beautiful ones, grammatically correct ones, encouraging ones, ugly ones and difficult ones. All of them affect me in different ways, ranging from loving the words to disagreeing with the words to embracing the words. Some of these words are mine, some are not but all have an impact on my life and the lives of others.

When we choose the words we want to say, do we think about the impact?

Since I have been writing more and now taking a writing class, the impact of my words has commanded more of my focus. I have always lived my life choosing words carefully, understanding that they can be used as weapons against another person. I am also very human and am guilty of carelessly tossing my words around so that they end up hurting someone else. But I would like to think that overall I have offered more encouraging and appreciative words than any hurtful words I spoken.

I want the words I write here, in this blog, to impact your life in a good and beautiful way, causing a pause for thought or a “light bulb” moment when the pieces come together. I have seen too many words of late hurt and tear down another’s life and because of this I’m more focused on delivering my words carefully, especially here on this written page, seen by all who care about reading my words.

What about your words? Do you carelessly toss them around or make sure they land gently on another’s heart? It’s so important that we all understand how much we impact other peoples lives by our words, both spoken and unspoken.

Every day we need to make a conscious effort to use more positive than negative words. When is the last time you thanked the grocery store cashier, the drive-thru clerk or the bank teller? Remember that each of us wants to know we are appreciated and  “thank you” can go a long way in someone’s life.

There are always going to be difficult situations when you will use angry or hurtful words but try to be careful with these words too, knowing that they can’t be taken back. Sometimes walking away or pausing in the conversation will give you time to carefully choose the right words instead of the more hurtful ones.

Most of all be very careful with the words you say to yourself every day. We truly don’t think about these words much but they can be the most damaging to our spirits and our hearts. Ask yourself if you would say the same words to another person and chances are your answer will be a resounding “NO”. So why treat yourself any different? Positive words will change your perception of yourself and others if you just choose to use them more often.

I’m so blessed to have all of you that enjoy reading my words and I would love to read yours too. Share your words with me and the other readers by commenting on this post. I hope that there are a lot more beautiful words in your future.

 

 

 

 

photo credit: Darwin Bell via photopin cc

 

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Comments

  1. Sabrina says

    April 11, 2012 at 9:59 am

    Your words are always kind!
    I loved the ending of this post about the words to ourselves – hadn’t thought about that! But now I will – Thanks!

    • Gay Barefield says

      April 11, 2012 at 2:29 pm

      Oh thank you Sabrina, you too use beautiful words. Yes it’s very true that we don’t think about those words to ourselves and a great deal of the time we can really be saying some very hurtful things. So glad you are willing to pay closer attention now. Thanks again for your words and for reading mine.

  2. darlene says

    April 14, 2012 at 8:24 pm

    Thanks for another moment that we can pause to reflect our affect on others lives with our words. I like to say thanks to our everyday contacts, such as, the grocery store personal, hotel staff, etc. You can actually meet some neat people that way.
    Just like toothpaste squeezed from a tube, once our words are out they cannot be put back.

    • Gay Barefield says

      April 14, 2012 at 9:43 pm

      You are so right Darlene, you can meet some great people that way. I love your “toothpaste” wisdom, thanks for sharing it here.
      Keep sharing your “light” with others.

  3. Ciara says

    April 16, 2012 at 5:50 pm

    Hi Gay great post, I have recently been reminded of the words I use by Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends…. the first chapter tells us not to criticize and I realized my words had become very critical of those around me. It’s very important to remember the impact words can have and as you say chose them wisely.

    • Gay Barefield says

      April 16, 2012 at 6:45 pm

      Oh Ciara, it’s so true isn’t it and I think sometimes we get into a “habit” of unwise words and don’t realize we are even doing it. Thanks for reading my post and WOW congratulations on your book! I’m going to check it out.
      I hope you will become a regular reader. Keep up the good work.

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