Whenever I write, I tend to read my finished product at least a couple times to make sure I have the wording and presentation of thoughts and ideas just like I want it. When I write something important, I will often also seek out a person I trust to review it for me and make suggestions on ways I can change or improve the piece and/or assure me that everything looks ok and is good to go. This isn't always possible, as my schedule frequently demands that I submit work and other documents without being able to take the extra time to share with another person and wait to get their feedback before moving forward, but I've found that when I am able to, I tend to learn things along the way.
One of my favorite people to share my writing with is my life partner. Besides the fact that she understands and can often encourage me through my insecurities and tendency to overthink things, she has a way with words and is a great writer in her own right. One thing she started teaching me early on was to use strong words in my writing. Strong words can leave little doubt about the ideas being expressed and help to clearly convey a writer's passion about their subject. Strong words frequently elicit strong emotions from the reader, drawing in and engaging the listener.
This weekend I have some prep work to do on an educational program I plan to implement in my workplace - a wonderful little library in the middle of a big correctional facility, and as I pulled out my thesaurus and gathered my papers, I found myself musing about strong words and especially the power of words in our lives. The old adage, "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me," couldn't have been more wrong. Our words have the power to build someone up, but also the power to severely hurt and tear another down. Working where I do, in the position I hold, gives me a unique opportunity to use my words to not only hold others accountable for behavioral change as they work toward eventual re-integration into society, but also to build up, encourage, and validate hard work, effort, and personal growth in a way that many I work with have never experienced.
As I reflect on my personal life, I unfortunately see so many instances where those who should have been my biggest supporters chose to use their words to tear me down instead, but thankfully there are also moments where I see how dear ones, like my life partner and best friend, have used their words to build me up and help me grow. I am forever grateful to those who have invested in me with their actions and words, and look forward to what a new year of strong words may bring.
Happy New Year!
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