The Magic In Words

Years ago, let’s not talk about how many years, one of my best friends called me a Word Witch on account of how much the words I wrote in my stories and role plays could make her feel. I loved it. It came up again recently and has led me to think about the power of words and what they can create in our lives.

You may know me for my daily (sometimes more) little messages I put out into the world on social media to help people get that little extra spark of kindness to help them through their day. There is always someone I know who needs it that day, and sometimes it is someone that I had no idea was struggling currently, who takes something away from it. I love doing it, creating that kind of magic with just a few deliberately chosen words. I love making people’s day just that tiny bit better, some days we just need that.

The last few days, though, I’ve been thinking about the flip side, the harm that our words can do to us and to others. Even when we have the best intentions the words we choose, and use, can impact others and not in the best way. I think too often we don’t look at our words before speaking (or typing) and think about whether it is kind and whether it is needed. And yes, this applies to the way we talk to ourselves as well.

I noticed I was putting myself down a couple of days ago, I got myself to a really low place. It started because of the usual culprits but then I reinforced that bad magic with my own words and criticisms. Once I noticed I began making a conscious effort to change my language. The last two days I've been trying to speak to myself with kindness, (and maybe even occasionally like I was Joey hitting on me). It makes so much difference, today I feel light, smiley and just wonderful.

In the wake of some upheaval, a lot of us are reassessing how we use social media, and maybe it’s time to reassess the language we use as well, both online and offline. Take the time to look at how the language we are speaking is impacting our own lives and our own mental health. If we want more light in our worlds, more happiness and positivity, maybe that starts with us. Maybe it starts with us asking is it kind and is it needed in our own lives. As they say, be the magic you want to see in the world.

And remember, I already think you’re magic, and I adore you. You're going to be amazing.