My Journey with Words

Words are not to be used frequently just because they can be, as the elder said once, “Speaking is like frosting on a cake – a little will do”.They reflect the moments of the characters’ lives and play an important role in shaping their relationships and emotions.

In school I soon found that the old saying “let sleeping dogs lie” was true when it came to answering questions or speaking without being called on.

When the lesson began, as it often does, with the teacher posing a question or starting some form of discussion, my initial plan was to keep my head down and my ears open.

Thanks to this activity that greatly helped me develop my listening skills, I learned how much I can gain from words. Well-spoken words may bring someone joy while the otherwise may leave a definite sour taste in the mouth.

I started speaking with a purpose: to raise the other and to fund and share concepts that could create worth. It was good to know that there are people who can be positively motivated and spurred on by what I have to say.

But the elder also said, ‘There is a time for frosting, and there is a time for plain cake.’ And even if they did not stay, and just sat there, sometimes a hug was enough. He or she realized that it is important to find the right time to do the things that are very important to us.

Waking up late one day, I went around looking for something to do and found myself chatting to a complete stranger who appeared to be a vagrant. Sometimes, I just said a couple of motivating phrases, and they started to look for directions on their own.

It was a grounded discourse but nonetheless, change was brought about. And that is when I got to know the actual strength of speaking words of wisdom; a person can be made to feel better, have a good say, or even turn their day around.

Nevertheless, there are circumstances where firm direction is required, and those who cling to the concept of self-organization risk that their efforts end up counter-productive.

But I do know that when I have a message – for myself, for people out there – something that can make someone get up and go, I find my voice.

But I never forget the elder's wisdom: Still, it is crucial to note that being silent is not a disadvantage; in fact, it is one of the most powerful tools in a genuine relationship.

It enables us to hear, to understand and to format our speech out of possibilities.

Thank you for reading!