Words spoken, written or sung can do so much good and so much damage and hurt.

I wonder how many people have said  things without thinking only to wish they could have taken them back or never said them aloud in the first place?

Our words can crush one or lift one to places unimaginable. They can create scenes of terror or beauty but can also be taken the wrong way if used poorly or are misinterpreted.

However we use them they can make a difference, at times subtle, at others huge, but a difference they can make.

Often when emotions are running high it’s when words are blurted out in a stream of hot venom or ecstasy and they can have catastrophic results for all, be extremely encouraging or very misleading. That is the power of language and we rely on it for almost everything.

Bullies use it to control, hide behind or be aggressive so as to beat down the other person. Nurses use it to calm and reassure. Advertisers use it to sell the things we don’t actually need but think we do. Teachers use it so others can learn. When lawyers use it it ccan be the difference between jail or freedom. Sat Navs use it to direct. It’s all around us in so many forms and sounds easy to control but is certainly far from that.

I know for one my mind can’t keep up with the thoughts and words I want or try to say. Even when writing I can get things totally out of context or kilter but once  out there they can’t be roped back in like an anchor or  flying kite.

Someone once said, but I can’t remember who at present, “That the pen is mightier than the sword” and it is so true. Yes a sword can maim  and kill but it can’t leave one mentally scarred or high on love or sell you a house or comfort a babe in arms.

We use words for debate and conversation but how many of us actually stop and think about the true meaning of what we say of are intending to say? They just seem to flow like a machine turning out an endless supply of sweets or bullets.

Oh yes its Edward Bulwer-Lytton who said the above quote in the early 1800s. 1839  to be precise.

When I was young I would get so wound up and angry that I couldn’t find the words to express  my state of mind that I would just hold my breath until I went blue and passed out. My brother would run into the house and tell mum “he’s holding his breath again” and mum would rush out and slap my legs.which would make me take a breath. I find it the same today but don’t do the holding of breath thing but having a larger vocabulary means that at times I say what shouldn’t be said or what I don’t actually want to say. Or at least something like that. I’m easily confused and misunderstood.

The two pictures above portray the value of words. Yes the top one for the onlooker can be amusing but the poor chap on the chair is obviously hurting and even his last friend isn’t supportive but luckily its a thought and not a spoken gesture.

Ah, the second is lovely if you like that sort of thing. However, if said in a sighing or gruff manner they could be very anger inducing. “Oh okay then don’t put yourself out or anything..twat!!” or “ah thanks mate that’s nice of you, sorry to keep you.”

So think before you speak, easier said than done I know, and remember that words can have a lifelong effect on others, be it for good or bad.

Thanks again my loyal, mad and weary readers or reader and please feel free to leave your own thoughts.