After a long career in the administrative field, I have had an opportunity to sit back and watch people and how they interact with others around them. There is one thing that has been consistent throughout these last 20+ years. It never ceases to amaze me how many people I have encountered in my life that do not realize the damage the can cause just by opening their mouths and speaking words before they think.

The only reason I bring this up is the simple fact that when I was young, I had a problem with this; so much so in fact, that my mother made me a plaque that said something like “Engage your brain before putting your mouth in gear.” Loosely translated, it means, “Think before you speak.” This is why that, today, writing has become very important to me.

Words are the most powerful tool we have in our arsenal to combat this thing that we call “Life”.

Words bring comfort and healing. Words inspire and engage. Words emit pleasure and love. Unfortunately, sometimes words can hurt, destroy, demean and be insulting. Words can threaten and victimize. Words can cause confusion or embarrassment. Words can insight fear or sadness. Most of all, I have learned over the years that words are sometimes said out of fear, frustration or desperation.

Words, both positive and negative, are the ying and yang of our existence.

I may not have that plaque on the wall from when I was a child, but I know that when I speak, I choose my words very carefully. Through my words, I hope to leave a mark on the world and maybe, just maybe, touch someone’s life in a positive way.
I have been writing for a very long time. It’s only recently that I have decided to share my thoughts and words with the world. Since I don’t have a son or a daughter to pass on my wisdom, I have but only one way to leave my legacy…through words.

From Signature

***I have written this piece as a part of The Blog Hop for the group, The Writer’s Post. Join the hop and have some fun!***