“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

You might be familiar with that saying, it is one I often heard teachers say at school to reassure me/others when people were being nasty.  I think the idea is we were supposed to use that as a comeback when we were verbally abused.  Words do hurt. Words can hurt more than an accident or injury. Sometimes the body heals from an injury, but the injury of words can sometimes last a lifetime.

The way we talk to each other really does matter. A little kindness and compassion can go a long way.

We all have our opinions, but we cannot expect others to live their lives by our opinions. We must let everyone make their choice as to how they live. This seems to me to be a difficult concept for some to accept. It often seems to lead to disapproval and judgemental language when someone does not live their life by the standards, we think they should. But its ultimately none of our business.

Just be you and shine.

Words matter. Words can save a life. Someone could be near breaking point. Your words can change that too. You don’t have to have all or any answers. Just let the person speak and express themselves. That can be life changing.

Words matter. And so do you.