Words can heal. Words can destroy. They can inspire, and they can depress. Your choice of words can be as refreshing as the aura of scented candles, or as catastrophic as a violent storm that wreaks havoc and leaves sailors devastated after the shipwreck.
Words hold so much power. They worm their way into the mind, reverberate and are catalogued in the reserves of one's memories. You have no idea how long something you said to someone stays in their head. It can be forgiven, but never forgotten.
Just like a lullaby that soothes, a kind word has the ability to alleviate sorrow and bring solace to those in need. It can bring joy to someone's life, peace to a troubled heart, and leave a lasting feeling of gratitude.
The impact of a cruel word, however, can be as piercing as the sharp blade of a two-edged sword, penetrating through the deepest layers of the soul. It can shatter one's self-belief, erode self-respect, and leave one feeling dejected all day.
It is understandable to be upset that the young man mistakenly bumped into you while he was trying to navigate his way through the busy street, or he unintentionally stepped on your toe amidst the human traffic. The shy lass might have spilled her juice on your favourite shirt,yes. But you may never know, perhaps that singular action might have been just as humiliating for her. Before you utter that reprimand, take a moment to imagine what they may be going through. They may be having a rough day, and your words might just be rubbing salt into their wounds.
Yehuda Berg once said, "Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble.” Therefore, be mindful what to say to others because they can leave footprints that can never be washed away, impressions that can last a lifetime!