The Power of Words

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." If this quote doesn't sound familiar to you, then welcome to the 1990s. Otherwise, you've read one of the most overused quotes I heard growing up. How many times could someone recite this quote like a broken record? After a while, the same song and dance doesn't cut it. Once I realized how the puppet show operated, I wanted to throw sticks and stones at the quote and at each person who said it. 

When I look at the quote, it is flawed. How can sticks break bones? Is the stick thrown on the ground and someone trips over it? Was the stick jammed in my skin? How hard was the stone thrown at me? Did I puposely walk over stones as a child? Sticks and stones breaking bones sounds terrible, but the deceit from the quote is worse. How can someone say words never hurt? After a while, words do hurt. "You have cancer." " You did not get into the Ph.D. program, the program that will change your entire life." "You are the cause of my pain and anguish." I don't know what you think, but these words would hurt me.

Someone may argue that words only have value if importance is placed on them. I can agree with the argument. I still stand by the fact that words can hurt. However, I also know words can help us become happy, self-sufficient, and confident people. Words can be used for promoting peace and tranquility. Words can inspire someone to create a new project, give confidence to a person who is scared to take the bold steps necessary to progress in life, and give courage to those who are freightened.

If someone is struggling to find hope and strength (including you), these statements may be the key(s) to success for them (and you):

You can do it.

Now is not the time to give up. 

You've come so far. You owe it to yourself to finish what you've started.

I am proud of you.

You are already good. You have the potential to be great.