Words

I am continually amazed at how wonderfully good people are, and this week I’ve been especially struck by the kind things they say. I find that happiness in life is never a matter of circumstances, but a matter of the way you respond to those circumstances. And for me, the way I respond to a situation is often greatly improved by the love and support from people around me. This post is a shout out to the dear and kind souls who have lifted me up through the things they say.

Speaking is not my forte, and I often struggle to find the right words, know when to start, and know when to stop- and therefore I sincerely appreciate it when other people are willing to take the time to talk to me.

Here are some of the words that are still resonating with me from this week-

“Teacher, I got this just for you.”

“Wow, we would be out of work if everybody’s teeth looked like yours... I’m really jealous of your teeth.” -Dental hygienist

“Thank you for coming, we’re glad that you’re here.” - Temple worker

“Miss James, I put a seat next to mine for you to sit in.”

“I’m sorry about yesterday Miss James. I’m going to be good today.”

“You don’t need to worry about spiraling downward, we’re not going to let that happen. You’re going to be okay, and I’m always here if you need someone to talk to.” -My doctor.

“Everyday I ask her what the best part of her day was at school, and everyday she says ‘Going to math with Miss James!’ Thanks for your hard work.” -Student’s parent

“You look great.”

“When are we going to watch star wars?”

“How are you feeling?”

“Thank you.”

“Are you okay?”

“Take care.”

“Do you need anything?”

“I love you.”

I don’t think any of the people who said these things knew how much I needed it at that moment. I guess people generally don’t realize the full impact that their words have, but it can be huge. It’s a good reminder for me to choose my words more carefully, because even when it seems like nobody is listening, they just might be. I’m also grateful that they were brave enough to give whatever compliment or ask whatever considerate question that they did, because it takes a little bit of courage sometimes. This week I’m going to try extra hard to choose words that just might brighten somebody’s day a little bit.

“I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe