Photo by: dcjohn
We use them everyday. They convey our thoughts, opinions, and emotions. We take them for granted. We throw them around casually. We teach our children them from day 1, and then hope that they use them when it's their turn. I'm talking about words.
As a psychologist, I think a lot about words: what people say, what they REALLY mean, and most importantly, what isn't being said. Words are what we have to express ourselves. They are tools and like any tool, they are imperfect in their use.
I'm amazed constantly by the power of words. Simple phrases like, "How are you feeling?" or "I'm sorry" can mean so much. With equal power are slang words that casually get thrown around like "retard" or "gay." Few people use those words to convey their original meanings (slow or happy). With a breath of air, these words can hurt--not just people within earshot who might take offense, but to our greater society. Trivializing negative attributes (or what might be perceived that way) normalizes these attitudes. It is why we can flippantly throw around such words without a second thought.
Words create our identities. It is what Congress will scrutinize in the upcoming week as they decide whether or not to confirm Elana Kagan to the Supreme Court. What were the meanings behind her written words? Who do her words make her to be? Will she try to hide behind her words?
There is a lot of wisdom behind the adage, "Think before you speak." Yet how many of us actually take that to mind? I'm just as guilty as talking prior to thinking. And sometimes that can come back to haunt me. Even if it starts as thinking before one sentence each day, that can have an impact. Taking the time to be thoughtful has a ripple effect. So that is my challenge: before using your breath, make sure your intentions and thoughts are clear.
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