I’ve always recognized the power of words. Perhaps it’s my literal nature, or my love of writing, but what people say or even more so, what they put to paper, has always had a tremendous impact on me.
I remember sitting in ‘pep rallies’ in high school, listening to motivational speakers talk about character and charity. I felt like I was the only one who ever heard or was affected by what they said. Books are no different. After reading ‘Atlas Shrugged’ foe the first time, I remember being speechless for hours, wanting to go jump off a cliff because it society felt so hopeless compared to Rand’s vision.
Words create nations, immortalize individuals, forever damage trust or injure others. I don’t think people realize how powerful they are. We are careless – often writers being the worst culprits.
Perhaps I’m wrong for ceaselessly analyzing people’s conversations, or taking people at their word. But it’s the only currency I understand.
I learned after having spent years in uncomfortable friend and family relationships, that words are just words. Sometimes people mean them, sometimes its a lack of ability to express themselves otherwise. I had to teach myself that, for me, the ‘actions speak louder than words’ was a more accurate measure of the relationships in my life. I am the queen of saying stupid things without thinking, so I have to give others the benefit of doubt just the same.