Words
Words are the most common form of currency we use to connect with those around us. They have a give and take policy between its patrons, and it takes more than a lifetime to master all of their uses. In the English language, everything you’ve ever read, every word you’ve ever heard, is a combination of 26 letters.
I wrestle a lot with these 26 letter combinations. When I’m having an emotionally charged conversation, its pleasantness irrelevant, I often trip through and stumble over them. I break and pause a lot because their vulnerability is usually the prerequisite for tears. If I need to have a tough disciplinary conversation with someone at work, I write down the main points, rehearse it a time or two, and then have the conversation. It still never comes out quite like I want it to, but it eliminates the awkward pauses at least.
Fear stood like an impenetrable wall between where I was and the connection I wanted to have with those I cared about.
There was even a short period of time in high school where I couldn’t start a conversation with anyone, including my closest friends. When I would head to E hall l in the mornings to meet them, my anxiety choked off my efforts to form cohesive thoughts that I could use to initiate a conversation. Fear stood like an impenetrable wall between where I was and the connection I wanted to have with those I cared about. Luckily I grew out of this anxiety fairly quickly, and I began to understand that my fear of Words is only as big as I allow it to be.
I’m most comfortable with Words when I can use them to make people laugh. Wit and Goofiness are usually waiting at the door in most of my conversations, so if the other conversation patron is willing, I invite them in. Instead of feeling intimidated, under-qualified, and awkward, I feel excited, empowered, and at ease.
Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, Words harbor a lot of power. They are an army to be properly trained, and if you neglect them, they will run rampant. If you are not cautious in how you utilize them, they will find their own purpose and create messes you never wanted.
Words can ignite your world on fire or choke off relationships forever.
Words will tilt your world on its axis or balance out the storms in your heart.
Words can paralyze you or place you back on your feet.
They will carry clarity or confusion.