Did you know that your words are powerful? It is a well know fact that emotional abuse can cause much more damage than physical abuse. Emotional abuse is driven by words. Words can build up or break down.
So what are arguably, the two most powerful words? I was watching a movie recently about the Irish Republican Army, the “IRA”. The story explained that when the young men fighting with the IRA were caught and imprisoned they refused to wear the prison uniform. Consequently, they were naked in blankets whilst in prison. This quiet prison rebellion went on for years.
The IRA prisoners campaigned for the right to wear civilian clothes as they saw themselves as prisoners of war. As such would not wear the clothes of a prisoner. They refused to acknowledge the British rule in their motherland.
They tried in vain to negotiate with the government and eventually whey went on hunger strike to make this point. After at least 10 young men had died from this hunger strike (aged sadly from 19 to 26 years of age) the British government agreed to grant them the privilege of wearing civilian clothes. The IRA prisoners remain committed to their decision and would not agree to the terms. They believed it was a right not a privilege. Because of one word, and the power behind it more young men died.
Words are powerful. Arguably two of the most powerful words in our language are “Thank you“ and “Sorry“. These words can build bridges, bring forgiveness and help someone feel recognised and valued.
Sometimes we say things out of hurt or anger and they can leave a scar for life. That’s where nursery rhyme line “sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is not quite accurate. I have heard over and over how a word said in anger can linger in a person’s soul for years. Such words can honestly stop you from believing in yourself and consequently from reaching your potential.
The sad thing is, is that the person who said the hurtful words has probably forgotten and has no idea just how much they have hurt you. It is important to acknowledge this if you are hanging onto a lie that has been told to you. If you have been told that you won’t amount to anything, or that you are not worth it. It is a lie. You have inside of you such enormous potential; you have a unique gift that no one else has.
No one else sees the world exactly they way you do, no one else thinks the way you do. It is a gift for you to use and make a difference on the earth. So if hurtful words and lies are holding you back I encourage you to stop believing them and do whatever it is that you have been dreaming about. You can do it. I know that you can!
Until next time, Care, Connect and be a Courageous Communicator. Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.
