Have words gotten you into trouble lately? It happens. As a family member, neighbor, and as a citizen, my “applecart” has been turned over a few times recently. Let’s take a brief look at the power of words.
Words are born in our thoughts.
Raw, even wrong words usually stem from thoughts that have been stuffed down inside. Restrained words come from disciplining negative thoughts and turning them in to civil, even productive, dialogue.Thinking carefully about the effect of our words can produce conversation that is uplifting and can even change lives-yours and the other person’s.
Words have power. The saying goes, “It’s not what you say but how you say it.” It’s important to use common sense. Sometimes, you have to “read between the lines.”
Words can be manipulative. Ever notice how a topic can be expressed from two different views? You can be made to think something is good when it really isn’t beneficial at all. Or, just the opposite is true. You can be told something is so bad when, after a little digging, you find out it is good but words persuaded you to believe it was bad.
I notice lately that many want to simplify a conversation topic down to either/or. There is no room for discussion or an opportunity to consider what the other person is saying. If you don’t accept A, then you’re a big fan of B. But what if neither is true? Good relationships must precede a conversation in order to have the space to change your mind-or someone else’s.
Here are some wise words to consider today:
Your beliefs become your thoughts.
Your thoughts become your words.
Your words become your actions.
Your actions become your habits.
Your habits become your values.
Your values become your destiny.
-Mahatma Ghandi
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.??
