Growing up, there was this old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Do you remember that?  As I grew older and then into adulthood, what I found to be true was that words can in fact hurt. Sometimes more than any physical pain.  I’m sure the saying itself was intended to encourage others to keep going in spite of the words being yelled at them during even the most difficult of times. However, during the already rough times in my life, the added inclusion of rough words only made the situations that much more hurtful.

As humans, the reality is that words tend to have a lasting impact on our emotional well-being.  Words hold power and carry energy. They are capable of shaping our thoughts and have even resulted in affecting our self-esteem.  This article will break-down the importance of using our words in positive and thoughtful ways.

Words Can Impact Our Emotions

In life, we hear words that are spoken and we see words that are typed or written. Words have the power to make us laugh, cry, get frustrated, and even numb or at a loss for words.  Words impact the relationships that we have with others as well as ourselves.  Words can inflict emotional wounds that cut us deeper that any type of physical harm ever could.  Whereas physical pain can eventually go away, there’s just something about words that tends to linger for far too long at times. Sometimes for days, and even years.

Negative words can contribute to mental health issues such as depression.  When it comes to self-esteem, it is important to remember this, it is exactly what it says, esteem of one’s self.  How you react is up to you.  While that is often easier said than done, reacting in a positive way is possible.  It starts with renewing your mind and practicing self-discipline.

Words Have The Power to Shape Reality

Perception is key.  How you communicate with yourself as well as how you communicate with others, has the power to shape the reality of the every day life you encounter.  Everyone’s environment is different. The values and beliefs that each person holds true to, can help shape and mold them.  This often stems from words we hear or don’t hear.

When you persevere inspite of what you deal with daily, you will find yourself happier and capable of perceiving a positive self-image regardless of any negative factor that has been thrown at you.  Whether it is the words you feed yourself in your mind, or someone else’s words, words have the power to shape your reality and influence the world around you.

Choose Your Words Wisely

Since we know that hurtful and harsh words can break us down and impact our various relationships, it is important to practice hearing, repeating, and believing positive words.  Kind and thoughtful words can strengthen us and cause a feeling of trust.  Emotional scars can cause us to view ourselves and those that hurt us emotionally in a negative light.  So choose wisely when not just speaking, but also believing what you hear.

The Power of Affirmations

Affirmations are a great word to spark positivity into your life. When we choose to use words of affirmation, we are affirming what we say.  Affirmations can be written down in a journal, or even on sticky notes around the house.  When we choose our words wisely, we make a decision to inspire, empower, and uplift ourselves and others.  Words of encouragement and compliments, are also other ways to affirm. These positive new beliefs can cause a chain-reaction of a boost in our self-esteem, and mental health.

In closing of this article, it is important to acknowledge that the old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me, “does not capture the true implication of words and their impact. When we fully understand that we can make a conscious choice to use affirming words in a positive way, it is then that we take back our authority of creating the life we truly want to live and thus creating a better environment all around us.