sticks & stones (and being brave).
We all know that it's the most untrue rhyme EVER – sticks & stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.
Substitute "words" for "names," and the adage fails even more. Words are powerful. I know this. I choose a One Little Word to guide me every year. Words define my Core Desired Feelings. I've been known to write epic emails and pithy texts. I send a birthday email to a dear friend every year – a numbered list that corresponds with his age that contains painstakingly chosen words. I grew up with an Uncle who lovingly (and teasingly) called me "Worth Even Less"…words that stung even though I knew that they came from an innocent place. My first marriage was full of hateful words, followed by apologetic lies. I was skilled with words as a speech & debate competitor. I now fill my life with words…adding them to photos & projects, hanging them on the walls, weaving freelance passions around them.
The end of this week was punctuated by hurtful words. A co-worker described me as "an emotional wreck who cries & yells"….I have been turning those words over in my mind, asking myself if they are true, and finding some comfort in knowing….to my core…that they are not. Was there a time that they may have rung true? Yes…but that time is in the past. Another statement (from someone else) stripped my self-worth in the span of a brief text.
In response to the hurt, the universe practically shouted at me – nothing's gonna hurt you the way that words do when they settle 'neath your skin. I woke up thinking of that song, and have listened to it on repeat all day. Let your words be anything but empty. Why don't you tell them the truth?
I just wanna see ME be brave.
9 Comments
mary
WORDS have tremendous power, for good and bad. However, NAMES, used by others against us, only have power if WE VALUE the person who uses them. The original children’s verse was meant to discourage a violent response to racial slurs.
Kerry Armstrong
Words can be positive and negative. I have known you for years, not in the way your family and close friends have, but I have always felt you to be a strong force in this world. That Brave Force to others can be a threat… but you know that 🙂
Kirsten J
Oh, I’m sorry- I only “know” you in thus venue, but I’m pretty sure you’re one of the more grounded people around. Shake it off, be a duck, and yes, be brave…..hugs!
Barb
I admire your honesty and grace, Katrina.
Katrina Simeck
I heart you.
Katrina Simeck
Thank you Kirsten – I was brave today! 🙂
Katrina Simeck
Uhm, first, you’re in the “close friends” column, lady. Second, thank you!! And third….I miss you!
Katrina Simeck
Walking the path of lovingkindness asks us to find value in all sentient beings…and therein lies the challenge.
Christine Kelly
Kat – from what I read of you, you seem like a strong person which means a strong personality, something I can relate to firsthand. I have been told many times I have a strong personality and it has somewhat became the bane of my existence. Although she is using words that sound like you are “weak”, if you will, they are meant to wound & shake your confidence & strength. What most resort to when dealing with a strong person. Soldier on brave soul. 🙂