words are the voice of the heart

words words words. we throw them around like they're nothing. in reality, they are one of the most powerful instruments in the world. so much meaning. i think that's why i respect songwriters and authors. because they have a way with words, the ability to construct lyrical stories out of the myriad of already existing words. and it's not just mumble jumble but artfully and semantically crafted. i'd really love to study etymology deeply one day. i started reading this book on the origins of words. it's very interesting.

anyway, what sparked me to write this post was the triviality that many place on the power of words. i know a lot of people don't really mean what they say. for example, 'hate' is an awfully strong word. there's so much enmity in those four letters but we throw it around like it's nothing. i hate her. i hate him. i hate my parents. i hate my brother. i hate my sister. what i'm trying to get at here is that we take words for granted. maybe you mean what you're saying. maybe you really do hate vegetables, haha. but most of the time, i don't think a lot of know the extent of the power of our words.

in my experience, words can really hurt. even in the tone of your voice, you can really hurt someone's feelings. i've learned so much from just observing other people talk. when you really slow down and think about what you're saying before you say it, it makes ALL the difference. trust me. ask yourself, "is what i'm about to say beneficial to the other person?" also, another important question is "is what i'm about to say completely necessary?" but i'm not trying to sit here and preach now. i've had my share of slips and have hurt others by words, too. it's all a learning process.

but to add, words are also expressions of love. i love my mom and i appreciate everything she's done for me and my brother. there is one thing i remember that she said to us when we were moving back to georgia from arkansas. we had been separated from her for about a year because she didn't have the money to support us. so for that one year, she worked her butt off, working and going to school at the same time so that she could have us back. finally, she made barely enough money and she came to take us back in a heartbeat. on the long drive back, she kept repeating five words to us: "be happy. and be strong." it never hit me then. but now when i think about it, it really brings tears to my eyes. in those few simple words, i can feel the pain and hardships she had to endure, her love and concern for us, and her wish that we won't have to go through the emotional struggle that she went through. all that expressed in five words.

what do i take away from this? think twice before i say something. be careful with my words. because like Confucius said, "Words are the voice of the heart." let's all say good and supportive words to each other!!!

-so


in my expression, i conquer.
yet, my wish for you is to see my intentions.
they are good. trust me.
there is no facade on my part.