There were compliments and messages of admiration, but the negative messages had more impact. As a result, the media, which produces content unrelated to fashion and is known as "fashionista," went to the audience to warn them about the significance of their words and the importance of reading before sending them. Then came the disaster when she instructed her followers to pen words and remarks that were directed at them and left an impression they would never forget.
Words, sentences, and phrases were said in jest or for fun by close people or strangers. But they were more painful than the stroke of the sword, and despite the passage of years and days, nothing could erase their impact. Are you one of those who hit themselves or others with verbal swords? How do your words and sentences affect your life and others' lives?
The impact of words
No one can ever predict the impact of the word on the recipient. In this instance, we are referring to both the positive and negative effects. The effect of negative words, phrases, and sentences can linger for years, leaving enduring marks and unforgettable memories that reverberate in his mind in every similar situation to the one that caused them. People are by nature most positively affected by positive words and experience a boost in morale that may last for a long period of time.
One person talks about a word that their teacher at school said to them in a situation that happened in class. She told him, "You are stupid," and even today, after they are over forty years old, the word "stupid" still resonates with them in the same tone and voice whenever they fail to perform a task or lose a project.
In contrast, a successful businesswoman who has overcome many obstacles in life says, "As life gets harder, I remember my mother's words, ‘Marwa, you can.’ ‘Marwa is clever and finds nothing difficult,’ ‘Marwa is fortunate and tenacious and never gives up,’ I would emerge from the ruins, shake the dust of annoyance and exhaustion, and then begin working hard until I arrived at my desired destination and achieved the goal I set for myself."
All religions underscore the effect of a kind word. If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t talk at all. It is very important that we think about what we have to say before we actually say it. If it is kind, is for the good of all, lifts someone’s spirits, or even provides consolation, then you have the green light to say it. Otherwise, keep it to yourself, because what’s the point of sharing it if it will only hurt others or add fuel to the fire?
A wise man once said, "I wish I had a neck like that of a giraffe. That way, I will weigh my words for a long time before they come out of my mouth." People around him questioned why he said what he did. The quote by this wise man captures the essence of their response when they receive criticism for hurtful words spoken hastily and carelessly under the guise of temperament and kindness. It is a request that they remain silent for a while and consider their words before speaking; perhaps they will sense their cruelty and refrain from saying it.
What hurts you hurts others. If you hate it when someone makes fun of your looks, then refrain from making fun of other people's looks. Consider all the things that irritate you, and remember that it irritates those close to you, too, so don't do it.
Another saying goes, "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." That means someone who feels offended by the criticism and ridicule of others should refrain from criticizing and mocking others and should be ready to accept the actions and words they give; whoever sows kindness shall reap it, and whoever sows harsh words and thorns shall undoubtedly reap the fruits of their poor cultivation.
How do your words affect your life?
Like bullets, words have power. This description does a good job of illustrating the extent to which words may be damaging. But what happens if the person who is shooting is the target? The worst labels and attributes that people give themselves cause the most frustration and discouragement.
On the contrary, those who are most capable of raising people's level and contributing to their advancement and development are those who exhort and encourage themselves. If you do not know how the words you use affect your life, think carefully about these examples:
- Can any force on earth convince you that your luck is bad if you don't believe it yourself? Many of those who buy lottery tickets are sure they are lucky, and some win, but those who think they are unfortunate do not buy the lottery ticket in the first place, right?
- Can a runner win a race with many other runners and a long course if they do not tell themselves they can do it? And would they have triumphed if they had told themselves, “I couldn't win. All of them are better than me.”?
You may not realize how your words and sentences affect your life, but we assure you that these words shape your life and that others see you exactly as you see yourself. That explains why human development specialists and psychologists ask people who are flawed somewhere in their personality to stand in front of the mirror and repeat to themselves the phrases, sentences, and affirmations they want to convince themselves and others of.
How do words affect others' lives?
In the context of the impact of words on the lives of others, we can only recall the scientist and inventor Thomas Edison, a genius whose innovations and ideas changed humanity. His teacher at school once told him that he was stupid and not fit to study. The child sat alone in his house with a broken heart and a broken ambition. Had it not been for the intervention of his mother, humanity would have been deprived of light and electricity.
This great mother repaired the damage caused by the teacher's words, fixed the wreckage, and did well in contrast to the teacher's passive behavior. She also restored the boy's self-confidence and faith in himself and motivated him to move on and learn from his experiences, which later literally lit up the world.
What drives a Moroccan to run after winning a soccer match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ to go straight to his mother to celebrate with? Certainly, it was her supportive words that gave him the motivation he needed for the World Cup.
How can we properly use our words?
As we have said, words are a double-edged sword, either lifting a person to the sky or throwing them in the gutter. Therefore, we must make good use of our vocabulary and use our words correctly by following these tips:
1. Think about your words before saying them
If you are someone who answers questions with the first thing that comes to mind, you should work on growing out of this behavior and exercising control. Even if you mean the advice, it is never appropriate to tell your neighbour, "You look fat in this dress,“ before returning her greeting.
Put yourself in her shoes. Always put yourself in other people's shoes. Imagine how frustrated and depressed you are. Always consider others' perspectives and consider how they are feeling.
2. Say nice words or keep your silence
If we are at a loss for words or feel compelled to remain silent despite our convictions, it is always preferable to remain silent than to utter something that will make the other person unhappy and hurt. Don't tell a student that they are stupid if you are the teacher. You might discover a new Edison if you instead support and encourage him.
3. Choose your words carefully
Particularly in the child-upbrining field, some situations call for firmness and rigor. Due to their high sensitivity and receptiveness, children and adolescents call for extra caution in these situations. The words of their parents might distort who they are.
Words must be carefully chosen. Before speaking to the adolescent, we should consider our words and say, for example, "Your behavior was reckless and ill-considered" rather than "You are foolish and reckless."
4. Build psychological immunity to negative words
Some people may not understand the art of using words, and the elderly may not know, for example, how to talk nicely with youngsters. As for social media platforms, they are full of fake accounts that master forms of bullying.
To face such cases, it is necessary for them to accept the nature of elderly people, limit their presence in inappropriate meetings, and psychologically protect them against bullies by enhancing their self-confidence. Don’t be vulnerable to people’s words.
In conclusion
Humans are emotional beings affected by positive and negative words. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of the importance of words in our lives so we can choose and use them to help others and leave positive effects in their lives.
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