THE POWER OF WORDS

“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Image Source: RachelScottYoga, pixabay

I still remember with gratitude, the hands that helped me walk when my life was a tightrope, it was their words of encouragement that lifted my spirits, and their kind eyes that gave me solace and hope. No matter how many years may go by, I will always remember those acts of kindness with utmost respect and regard.

Likewise, I also remember the power of tongues that brought me down and made me feel like an invalid, I still remember the tears and hurt that it caused me. The wounds have healed for sure, but the scars still remain.

Not just me, almost all of us may have heard disheartening comments or hurtful remarks, at least once in our lives. Starting from childhood itself, the saga goes on forever. “ You are short!”, “You are too tall!”, “You are stupid!”, “You are ugly” - these are some comments almost every child may have had to hear. And most often, these words are enough to crush the confidence of a young mind, making her/him dejected and sorrowful. Haven’t you wondered why a jubilant and confident child suddenly turned quiet and sad, or when she/ he grew up to be an adult with self-doubts? Words have power, indeed.

Some of those children are us, still carrying around the baggage of childhood traumas.

Even as adults, we underestimate the power of words and the miracles they are capable of. It’s unfortunate that many of us are still used to brazen comments and remarks. As Rowling rightly said, words are our most inexhaustible source of magic, for they have the power to create or destroy. And we should learn to use this magic charm to spread kindness, compassion, humility, and tenderness.

THE POWER OF LANGUAGE

We may all have that one person in our life, whom we approach whenever we are lacking in confidence and needing a bit of motivation. It could be our teacher, friend, partner, colleague, sibling, or parent. Why is that so? What makes that one person different from the rest?

It could be because she/he is a great listener, they listen to you patiently, they give their time for you. They use encouraging and positive words, they express their love and appreciation for you openly, they always cheer you up and never bring you down. All these traits make you go back to that person when you are at your lowest point. They are also the first ones with whom you want to share a great news. You have the greatest admiration and respect for that person, and you are grateful that you have them in your life. All of those traits that you admire in them are the reflection of their deep empathy for you.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be that person for someone else? To make a difference in the lives of others? How satisfying will that be?