The Power of Words

Words have power.

I hear this all the time. From fellow writers. From coaches. From religious figures. From motivational gurus. From experts in various fields. From parents. There is power in words.

I think about this as I write Mallory's story. And the question I ask myself most often while I make my way through the pages is this - am I using the right words to convey her story?

Mallory's story is an emotional one and I want to be sure it doesn't read as mellow drama. It would be a disservice to her and to any readers, should I get this published. So I struggle for the right words, and to have a conservancy of words as I tend to wax on and on about things. I also tend to put too many layers of description in the story. Or so I think. We'll see when it's finished.

As I struggle, I think of powerful words. Words that are crisp and sharp and cut to the heart of the matter. Words that are soft and warm and wrap the reader in a comforting embrace. Words that allude and words that leave no doubt as to their meaning. And I think about how I use words in real life. Words have power. When we tell ourselves something over and over again, we start to believe those words. If I tell myself I can't write Mallory's story, I won't write it. If I tell myself I'm not a good candidate for a job, I won't apply for it. If I tell myself I choose joy, then I start to look at my world a little differently.

And if I have all this power over myself, how do my words impact others? Am I using the right words to let my husband know just how much he means to me? And how thankful I am he is supportive of me? Do I tell my niece how unique and wonderful she is more than I sigh and tell her she needs to calm down? Do I use the right words with clients to help them dig deeper into their own purpose and power?

I am choosing to be more conscious of my words. While I am not responsible for how another may take my words, I am responsible for my choice of words.

How would your life be impacted if you were more conscious of your words?