the power of words

Over the past few weeks, I've been observing how language and words can impact how I perceive and respond to the world. This is particularly relevant for how I respond to my inner world. I have noticed that the slightest things can trigger off different thoughts and feelings. I have come to see the importance of narrative and story in the context of daily life. It is true that we all have varying degrees of struggles, some which are chronic and some which are acute. The story for me has been a great anchor in putting my own struggles in perspective. I think once I isolate my problems and make them unique, I fall into a self destructive pattern of thinking. But when I can see that as humans, we all deal with very similar challenges, the problems seem to be shared and the load lightened. It's true also with encouragement. When we open our ears and listen to others' stories, we can often find the common thread and take courage from their story. I noticed that even the smallest amount of encouragement goes a very long way. In the same way, the slightest amount of negativity can have the opposite effect.

I think it is true that words and speech have such a powerful impact on crafting who we are as people. And maybe it's a matter of having an adequate filter to know what to absorb and what to let run off. I know for me, I have had the tendancy to absorb some very unhealthy ways of thinking and being and possibly deflecting healthier ways of thinking and living. So ultimately, it comes down to choice.

I know that this is less likely to happen as a youngster who tends to absorb everything and might not have the capacity to filter. But choosing our words wisely and adopting our world views carefully is so important.

Blah !!!

Till I find my poncho...