There is a reason why we crave the positive. There’s a reason why the words we use matter in our everyday lives. As we know, the world can be a challenging and gloomy place. It is full of violence, hatred, and dishonesty.
Despite everything that tries to bring us down, we still persevere through adversity and confusion. Many of us cannot move forward without the guidance of the people we trust most – our leaders. During times of trouble and unrest, we look to the men and women whose job is to calm our fears and provide answers so that we might understand and accept the events as they unfolded.
Not every leader has a world stage on which to preach to the masses, but every one of us is a leader in some way, shape, or form. That is why we need to be aware of the words we use, regardless of whether we have a title.
Our minds are forever etched with the images we see daily, yet we forget the power of our words.
It’s time we start arousing people’s souls once again. It’s time to say what must be told. It’s time to move humanity forward.
Words evoke emotion.
We cannot help but feel connected to one another when we allow the words shared to mean something. Comments can leave us heartbroken by the ones that provide a minor miracle. Becoming immune to terms like “Thank you” or “Please, help me” does not aid our hearts if the words are insincere or fake. Throughout time, being human has always been communicated through words. It had allowed us to be vulnerable when push came to shove. Too often, we have comments left unsaid because we are afraid to tell people how we feel.
Words create action.
If we set on a course for change, then any movement we take will not happen without a few inspiring words. Our responses could be to do nothing, or they could stimulate such a reaction that momentum becomes apparent as we gather others along the way. NO plan comes to fruition without a few choice words heard by even just one person. The world does not become different with thought alone. For actual change to occur, we must do something. Words spark creativity and drive what would not have happened otherwise.
Words encourage.
Our soul is exhilarated by positive and supportive language. Nothing will ever be as important as believing in someone else. Words convey that message best. Focusing on potential, good qualities, and success will enhance other beneficial behavior. Terms allow us to let go of what we must while showing us a different way to see something else. In the moments when we want to quit the most, it will always be the words of praise… the words that inspire… and the words that trigger a reaction that instills us with the will to keep going.
Words guide us.
We may not have all the answers or understand every situation, but when the right words put us a little more at ease or comfort us, we begin to allow those words to show us what to do next. Only the right words will caution us to forgo actions that we will regret later, while another set of words will instruct us to improve and correct what went wrong. The vocabulary we choose can help insight riots, or it can call for peace.
Words give us hope.
Without hope, words are meaningless. They assume responsibility for the emotion they carry while turning that emotion into something to believe in. They show us a path or give us direction when we have none. They remind us of the good things in this world and that not all items are good. These words restore faith and trust where it was lost and forgotten. They create optimism and minimize fear.
Conclusion
Some of us may still be waiting for someone else to take the helm and provide us with those words that lead us in every way I described above. Being a leader does not come with a title; it is bestowed upon every one of us. It is our human right to assume responsibility and teach others why every inspiring word matters. Every word — whether written or spoken — has a purpose. Our perception of each word is vital to invoking change, promoting togetherness, and the survival of us all.
The connection we feel to one another, regardless of the situation, will always begin with our choices – including how we talk to one another.
“We will never change our culture until we change our vocabulary.”
It’s time to start speaking up and become accountable for our lives, as well as the lives of others. Using the right words, change becomes more than just a ripple; it grows into an unstoppable wave. However, it must have a beginning. It begins with one voice – just one.
