WORDS

My life for the last couple of semesters has been words. I live, think, create and express myself through my words. My mind has been racing thinking about the words and works I have studied. Looking back on all the complicated and intricate literature I have been deconstructing and enjoying over the last year or so, I have come to the conclusion that no matter what classic novel I read or theorist's essay, no one's words will be as complicated as the people I interact with in my day to day life. I'm actually at a loss of words trying to figure people out. I rarely have a loss of words.

What environmental pressure or social construct pressured people to feel as though they need to say what they don't mean?!? I suppose we all have said little white lies to potentially gain some sort of reward or status. I've learned that even people we could potentially trust with our life, probably don't mean what they say to us, because they don't understand the power and meaning of the words they use. But we tend to believe everything they say with a whole heart. I'm sure you can relate as a reader in some way to this abusive weapon we call our language. This human flaw of saying words we don't actually mean seems to be more frequent then not. That's reassuring, right? 

I remember saying in the past, "words are just words. They really don't mean anything". This was before I became an English major and realized that languages and words are the systems that have created every single social construct we live by and our societies today. Language and words are the most powerful thing we can possess in my opinion. Being able to use your specific language correctly and effectively can be the most remarkable tool you can possess in your lifetime.

 So why are so many people neglecting this gift of communication and expression? It boggles my mind to think about how many people do not know how to communicate or express how they are truly feeling through words that actually mean something and hold weight. Words are not just words at all. I was a complete dumb ass to ever say such an ignorant thing. They symbolize so much more than just the letters and the sounds they create. Words can be the rise or fall of someone's emotions, the end or beginning of a friendship, or the only way to truly express how you feel to someone else. Words can change someone's entire world and the way they see it. Words aren't to be handled lightly, but with the upmost care and delicacy.

For those of you who have read the book, The Four Agreements, one of the agreements is to be impeccable with your words. (If you haven't read this book, you should.) I've found that now more then ever I need to be impeccable with my words. Knowing the effect my words can have on others is a frightening thing to come to terms with. Sometimes it does take being the victim of untruthful words to know the power within them. Self-reflection can be a bitch and it always seems to come when you've fallen, never when you're up. Words are dangerous and beautiful.