Remember that expression from when you were a kid that said that words could never hurt you? I don’t know about you, but I didn’t find it to be true. Even as an adult, it takes a lot of work, self-esteem, and discipline to ignore the hurtful words of others.
Gossip is such a powerful negative energy that it can destroy a person’s life. Gossip is as damaging as taking a knife to someone. Would you do that? Take a knife and threaten someone? Probably not. Words carry with them an energy that can make or break someone.
Think about the last time you were not feeling good about something and you sought advice from someone you trusted. After having a conversation with them, you felt much better because of the encouragement and perspective they put in to your situation. Was it not those words that lifted you up and made you feel like you had some control, a possible solution? The same goes for harmful words.
Children will talk. They will gossip. They may make things up. But adults? Are we not supposed to be the teachers? Are we not supposed to be the example? We need to model for our children the path of integrity, honesty, sincerity, and empathy. If your children hear you talk about their teachers poorly, do you think they will go to school and respect their teachers? If you slam your child’s soccer coach in front of your children, do you think they will work hard on the soccer field? Will your children respect their father if they hear you speak negatively about him?
We need to do a better job. We need to care more about others. We need to be more understanding. We need to watch the words that come out of our mouth and ask ourselves if the things that we are saying are really going to make a difference or are they just going to make ME feel better?
Sticks and stones do break bones, and words can cut like a knife. Be mindful of the sensitivity of the human spirit. Are you helping this world or just adding vocal pollution?
All the best,
David Alvas
