Take responsibility for your words
By Jean Ricot Dormeus
I have been amazed at the power of an “I love you”: new life comes on earth, families are created, new businesses emerge, and countries thrive. Nothing is as transformative as an expression of love. Words are indeed powerful. I have come to the realization that our world, as we know it, is a construct of words.
Could we enjoy such a high level of civilization if Jesus had not uttered, “I have come that you may have life”? And what a fascinating contribution great leaders have made through their words! M. L. King and his “I have a dream”; Obama and his “Yes, we can”; Gandhi and his “Be the change”; Churchill and his “Finest hour”; Lincoln and his “My greatest concern is to be on God’s side”; Mandela and his “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all”, J.F. Kennedy and his “Ask what you can do for your country”…
Words build up and words tear down. Words shape our emotions, create our reality, and even convince us to achieve our loftiest dreams. Whether we speak them to others or to ourselves, they have consequences. That’s the reason why affirmations are such a powerful tool. That’s also the reason why wisdom should walk hand in hand with freedom of expression. That’s finally the reason why we should enrich our vocabulary and take responsibility for our words.
In a study published in 2013 and titled, “Language Can Boost Otherwise Unseen Objects Into Visual Awareness,” researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison confirm the power of language to alter perceptions. “Words create reality. The inner-dialogue you attach to any given situation makes it a reality in your mind.”
Napoleon Hill warned us, “Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.”
Do you aspire to develop yourself and transform your community? Start the journey with your words. A nice way to take responsibility, isn’t it?
Jean Ricot Dormeus
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