Words... Do They Really Matter?

Words...

In this day and age, I often wonder if there is any value to words anymore.

It seems today that people think words are just pointless and something to just be thrown around and used however they see fit.

But, is that the truth?

Here are a few of my thoughts on words and the sustenance behind them.

First - Words have meaning.

How you use words can help someone understand something or they can make them even more confused about something.

As of late, it seems as if people are using words to confuse and mislead people. But, I hope that people are smart enough to know it isn't the words per se that are leading them astray as much as it is the person who is using them.

Also, we need to be mindful that just because a word means one thing to us here in America it could totally mean something else to someone else in another part of the word. 

For instance... Let's take the word "fag". In America that word is used as a sexual slur, in the UK the word means a cigarette.

So with that being said, it's always important to remember the meanings of words and the audience in which you are using the word.

Second - Words are powerful.

Words have the power to change minds and change lives. They can motivate and they can destroy.  It's all in how they are used.

Stop and think for a minute about a time in your life when someone's words have motivated you to do something or be something better.

Now think of a time when someone spoke only a few words to you and demotivated you, or broke your heart, or destroyed your dream.

Words are powerful my friends and anyone who thinks they aren't is dead wrong.

So the next time you go to have a conversation with someone or you need to get a message across to someone think of the words you want to use beforehand and make your words as intentional as you can.

Mean what you say, and stand by what you say.

Third - Words once spoken can not be taken back.

This is probably one of the most important things I've ever learned about words.

Once you speak or use words with someone you can never take those words back so that is why I think it is so important to be intentional about the words you use and speak to others.

There is that old saying that says "People will rarely remember what you said to them but they will never forget the way you made them feel". 

With that being said always try to choose your words carefully before you speak them to someone.

Because once they have left your mouth... They can never be taken back. 

Sure you can say you're sorry and you wish you would have never said those foul words to them, but let's be honest at that point and time they will never forget what you said to them.

This is an instance where words can destroy people, dreams, hopes, aspirations, and lives.

I don't know about you but I don't want to make a habit of destroying any of those things for anyone. 

So, there are three things I think are important about "Words", what did I miss?  

What are some life lessons you've learned about words?

Do you have any rules you use when you use words? 

If so, please share them with me and the rest of the community as I'm sure it can only help each of us be better.