Have you ever said something inappropriate at the wrong time? I definitely have, and my husband often tells me that I need to be a little bit more tactful. Sometimes, I don't even realize when I say something inappropriate, because in reality I believe that I am right. I am a very straightforward person, and people and the things they say, easily annoys me. Perhaps the fact that I am a teacher and so used to rectifying my students, that it runs over to my private life.
This is something that I definitely need to work on. Although I am usually right, I don't think of how my words can affect someone else. Often afterwards when I think about a scenario, I know I could have handled the situation differently. The mere fact is, the power of words are unpredictable. Unlike words on paper that can be edited afterwards, the words that we speak, will stay forever in someone's memory. You know the saying, sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me? This is so untrue. The power of words can hurt deeper than we think.
William Shakespeare once said, “My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words without thoughts never to heaven go.” Our thoughts should control our words, and words without thinking always end up hurting others.
I often see this in school, especially between the girls. I call this verbal bullying. Girls can be very hurtful towards others, and there are always this group of girls that think they are better than the rest. They have influence. They degrade others, and make them feel bad about themselves.
But just as words can hurt you, words can also build you up. It is important to think about your words carefully to make sure that you don't annoy someone, or even hurt them. When someone needs some words of encouragement, then you need to do what you can to make that person feel better. There is nothing like words that can build a person up. Sometimes the right words at the right time, can help change a life.
Your words can change the world for someone today. Make them count.
