Sticks and Stones

When I was a kid there was this old saying:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

I'm sure who ever came up with that little gem meant well. And as far as “bone breaking” it has merit. But, (seems like there is always a but) when observed under a brighter illumination we find some contradiction.

As a child, I struggled with this notion. My personal experience was not supporting this colloquialism. When I was the recipient of unkind or “hurtful” words, it did hurt. It was painful, emotionally and physically. My stomach would ache, my pulse would gallop making my breathing ragged. A deep hollow would overtake my insides. All quite uncomfortable and extremely unpleasant sensations. I got the idea of the “well meaning” author…but I wasn’t buying it.

The vast majority of humans want to be liked, even loved. So my reasoning was that this consensus would have similar feelings when they were assaulted with vicious verbiage.

Scientific and medical studies now prove how detrimental stress, anger and hostility can be to us physically and psychologically. Hate-filled expressions can inhabit our memories for a lifetime. Our words may not break bones, however they can break hearts and destroy spirits.

Words are powerful! They can also move our emotions to action in a benevolent purpose, cause laughter to erupt spontaneously, or tears to flow. If words can be that compelling, that persuasive and influential, shouldn’t we craft them in the most beneficial, constructive and helpful way?

What feelings and emotions saturate your soul when you are sincerely complimented or appreciated? Doesn’t your heart feel warm and joy-filled? What about satisfaction, delight and confidence?

Yes, words are exceptionally powerful!!

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words?

Words are so powerful, so versatile that they are capable of hurting or healing, destroying or building up. Please articulate positivity and hope with those you meet. It is good for all of us.

You are the author. Craft your words carefully, with hope, and love.

Moments 3

 A squirrel rustles through dead leaves in search of a snack. A variety of birds sing, chirp and tweet, sharing their individual joy. Woodpeckers hammer their heads against huge trees. The lowing of nearby cattle adds depth. The distant warning of a locomotives horn is barely heard. An aircraft adds it presence as it fades into the horizon. The neighbors dogs just joined in as a gentleman, out for a stroll, put them on high alert.

Moments. So many sounds and happenings in each moment. But we have to be aware. We miss so much.

This moment, recorded here, is just what I have captured while having a cup of coffee on my porch this morning.

So easy to miss. Such a delightful experience for me.

It is a fast paced world today. Semi-organized chaos. What if we made it a choice to pause for brief respites? To take a deep breath. To calm our minds, to listen, to smell, to feel and absorb what is happening in that exact moment.

 So many treasures are free for our rich enjoyment. Our senses are a truly amazing gifts.

 These treasures envelope each of us at almost any time. But genuinely enjoyed, only if we take a moment.