#357: Words III

Yesterday MOMMA_LITTLE surprised and honored me with her complimentary blog. I was and am humbled by her praise. If kind words were filled with calories I would be 10 pounds heavier now. I am thankful she and others value the friendships we have formed here and I am thankful, too, for the many readers who responded to her entry and for those who asked to connect as friends.

As I basked today in the afterglow of her uplifting comments, I also recalled a saying from childhood that you are probably familiar with:

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me."

Did you ever say that when someone said something hurtful to you?

I don't know about you but I never did agree with that little ditty. The truth is that words can hurt terribly. They can hurt so much that we replay them in our minds over and over for decades, sometimes for a lifetime.

That seems so sad since there are so many chances throughout our lives to offer words of positive encouragement that lift the spirits of others. Why don't we take more advantage of these opportunities?

You may be familiar with another old saying: "If you can't say something nice about someone then don't say anything at all."

When we are young and often as we age we are the target of many unforgettable put downs and teasing remarks from other children, our siblings and sometimes from insensitive parents, co-workers and other adults. These words are often demeaning and cruel. They tear at our hearts and rip apart our souls.

So, let's vow to change the world now that we are adults. Let's teach our children and co-workers and friends and family that praise is much better than criticism, that we truly can catch more flies with honey.

MOMMA_LITTLE -- Thank you.