Life would be so much easier if people said what they meant! Since writing, a little bit, and reading, a lot, I have learned how powerful words can be; used well they can show leadership and be a role model, used badly they can inspire fascism and War.
One only has to look at certain countries whose inhabitants’ lives are PUT AT RISK from speaking, or writing out, to realise how powerful words can be. They can ignite revolution and change a person’s destiny so why are we British, generally, so poor at using them. Perhaps it is our parent’s generation where it was well mannered to be as game and enthusiastic as you could be and definitely say you ‘weren’t cold’ when you were shivering like a leaf, when it is more polite to swallow your words and mutely nod than actually pretend you have an opinion. Perhaps it is our modern life where it is much easier, and quicker to write thx than thank you and hows you than how are you that words cease to be of importance.
A baby, on discovering it has a voice, squawks and squawks- not minding that each squawk can’t be understood but just relishing in the power of having a voice and the power to show an opinion. The majority of words that we use today have their origins from centuries ago like nightmare, sandwich and quiz. They are to be valued, savoured, venerated and used intentionally for the power they can exert.
It does no one any favours by sitting on your hands- people have fought in our past to be able to give us the freedom to express ourselves- don’t hide from what you mean. If COVID has taught us anything it is that we need to find comfort and solace in what connects us and when lots of abilities to do this have been curtailed, words are still open to us and a way to connect, as a country, as a generation and as a world and a way to leave our legacy.
May 2022 be the year when you SAY WHAT YOU MEAN!
