The power of words

The power of words

Word- a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence and typically shown with a space on either side when written or printed.

When you think about words? What comes to mind?

Do you think about a baby and the process of them building their way to speak, do you think about a way to describe a feeling that you have or even a situation or thing you cannot find the word for.

As linguistics describes this (word) single distinct element of speech, it also says that words are meaningful. When you look at the connotative meaning of words, you will get to see and feel that words carry so much with them. They have the power to heal, make you feel joy, question things, cause despair, create trust or even, the greatest thing, create and build love. This of course is in comparison to the denotative meaning which you can find within the pages of a dictionary, as is defined above.

Having mentioned the connotative meaning, which of course is looking into a meaning of something beyond what the dictionary says we can now see that words are a powerful force in humanity. Words can help bring change in our hearts and our minds, for example, with the ‘I have a dream’ speech by Martin Luther King Jr., we can still remember what he said and I even quote him till now, the ‘90s baby’ that I am. Another example, when you hear the word ‘Harambee’, you might remember the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and how he used that word in the conclusion of his speeches, it also takes us back to that time as Kenya looked to pull together to achieve collective benefit. What feeling do you get? What memories does that create?

With words, every time we speak or think about them, we not only need to think about how they make others feel but also what power they hold in our lives. Even with our thoughts, as it has and is said, “As you think, you become”. Therefore, choose words/thoughts that you wish to become. Create positivity, say “I am strong, I am confident, I am brave, I am beautiful”, and that you shall become.

Words create reality; they are a reflection of our beliefs. During this time, as we experience our own set of reflections, tough times, the unknown and so on we still need to remind ourselves to think from points of positivity, resilience and possibilities.

Here is a tip from (medium.com); you can be an active architect in the domains of verbal expression and interpretation. You can focus on building and expanding your vocabulary as the foundation for greater self-expression, and self-love. Carefully choosing which words you express, and what emotional force you express them with.

Remember the power of words, and when you speak or think this way, you will be able to witness a change in your life.