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The Power of Our Words

Writers and orators have long known that words have power. Socrates, Shakespeare, Lao Tzu, Jesus, and many others (including Hitler and now “the Donald”) across the span of humanity have changed lives and moved civilizations to follow a particular premise.

We find ourselves, once again, in dynamic and chaotic times. Historically, the ebb and flow of human existence has always been based on the power of words.

Words, whether written or oral, have the power to change, heal, hurt, destroy and/or create. As writers in this changing global landscape, we must be more vigilant in choosing our words. What and whom are we trying to effect?

Writers and orators can and should now be leaders of change.

Phrases like Black Lives Matter and Civil Rights Movement and words like racism and colonialism, these are powerful words that awaken us, call us out to be better, or remind us that we still have a ways to go.

This Is Personal

Example: A friend was in a challenging situation. Forced out of her house rental (not an eviction but a notice to vacate for her and her roommates) during Covid lockdown, she had to sleep in her car because there’s been a huge housing shortage where she lives. Her psychotherapist made a comment during a session that stuck with her and helped her better deal with the situation.

He said:

“It’s not WHO you are, it’s your circumstance.”

Bam. Light bulb. 💡

Aha moment for her and, for me. (Update: she eventually moved on to a much better space and is stronger for it.)

This, Too, Shall Pass

My friend now understands that bad things happen to good people. Words chosen carefully (and with compassion) can help us move beyond even the most difficult of challenges.

This Covid virus is affecting us personally and globally, some more than others. It’s imperative writers choose their words more carefully to ensure our survival and recovery.

Write from a compassionate heart, support a peaceful co-existence and community goals, and stand your ground without being divisive. Make your words work for you, not against you – or others.

Universal Energies At Work

What’s happening now, all the chaos, is Yang (movement, momentum, anger, anguish, change in process) and what will follow, accordingly, is Yin (peace, stillness, changes completed, new way of life). Universal laws are playing out before our eyes. Patience is required to get to the next phase of this seemingly never-ending cycle.

As writers, let’s use our words, our stories, as a beacon during these dark and chaotic days.

Let’s create and maintain the POWER OF WORDS.

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