Words can hurt or heal. What did yours do today?

Most of us are familiar with the phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” I hate this saying, because it is wrong. Not even just a little wrong, but wrong to the point of being harmful. Words can hurt, and can destroy.

The wrong words, used at the wrong time can destroy a person’s self-esteem, friendships, and they can destroy families. It does not matter how old we are – or how young –  words can heal or harm. Healing from harmful words often takes a lifetime.

I have had my share of harmful words hurled at me. They have come from people whose job it was to build my self confidence, people who said they loved me; and wanted to spend the rest of their lives with me, people I thought were my friends, my own children, and even from myself. The damage caused by harmful words has been devastating. and I am still working hard to heal from many old, and recent wounds.

I wish – more than anything – that I could say I was innocent in the use of harmful words, but I cannot. I have said things to my children I should not have, and to people who have loved me. The guilt of that is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life. I never wanted to harm people the way I had been, but I did it anyway. I have been an angry, sad, and bitter person for most of my life, and I believe that was the source for my own use of harmful words.

Since my mental health began to improve – and I realized the power that words have – I have tried very hard to be aware of everything that comes out of my mouth. I have no desire to cross certain lines ever again, and say things that will harm other people.  I will no longer ignore the effects of the words I hurl.

I believe all of us should remember that our words – even the ones unsaid – have the power to heal or harm.

Will you chose your words wisely today? When you speak the truth to someone, will you also be kind?