How Powerful Words Can Be

I’m going to do my best, but this is going to sound a little cliché especially since I’m a blogger/writer.

WORDS are incredibly powerful. The way we say them, how we write them, even the way we take them. Never underestimate how much power you possess with your words. Whether you’re giving a speech or telling a story – those things can have lasting effects. Even paying someone a compliment can make a difference in their day, their week…maybe even in their life. I think we take for granted how we talk to people because it’s such a social norm to speak to folks just to break random silence as we pass people by walking in the grocery store, interact with them while we’re shopping or thanking them for doing something as little as opening the door for us. It’s gotten to the point where people are so jaded sometimes that they don’t pay attention to the fact that you’re actually paying attention to them.

Maybe I’m an emotional freak of nature but when I ask you how you are, nine times out of ten I actually want to know. I’m just not talking for the sake of hearing myself talk. I take common courtesy extremely seriously and it pisses me off that I’m not worth 2.3 seconds of your time that you can’t even thank me for holding the elevator for you. Am I angry?

Yes, people.

You’ve got to pay attention to how you affect people with little words such as “thank you” or “you look really nice today”. They can make such a big difference. Why has it become so hard for us as a generation to be nice to each other and more importantly use our words legitimately and for good use? (Now, I’m not saying go out of your way to lie to someone just to be considered "kind".) I’m just saying don’t let this technology saturated, pop culture obsessed, money driven world taint you to the point where you let courtesy completely escape you. All we care to talk about these days is ourselves: what we’ve done, what we’re doing and better yet what someone can do for us.

It’s disappointing, but I've got hope for us.

I’ve probably watched a little too much Oprah (as if you can) but feeling empowered and feeling good about myself is refreshing especially when it comes from an unexpected source. Surprise someone today…and say something nice. Not because you have to, but simply because you have the power to do so.