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

From a young age, we are taught that a person’s words do not have the ability to harm us in any way, and we are taught that they should hold no power or influence over the way we feel. Although I believe this statement is something that should be practised and I can understand the sentiment behind the nursery rhyme, I however cannot ignore the fact that it is so far from the truth. The reality is, words do hurt and they do have the ability to change your life, for the better or for the worse.

As a kid, I can understand how this nursery rhyme seems believable, and my gosh how I wish I could still believe it to be true, however as you start getting older, and your vocabulary starts to grow, you begin to understand just how powerful words can be, and you start to feel the impact they can have on your emotions and on your wellbeing.

Speaking from experience I am a person who has been impacted by people’s words to the point where my self-love and self-esteem has become non-existent. I have always been so worried about the opinion of others, and how they perceive me, that it has dramatically effected the way in which I live my life. In saying that, I am also ashamed to admit, I too have impacted the lives of others, using such words, knowing in some way would cause them some kind of pain. It’s hard to admit, but at the same time, I think we are all guilty of it at some point in our lives. In some ways, I think it is a defence mechanism we use from being hurt in the first place, thinking it is okay to inflict the pain we’re feeling elsewhere.

I first hand have seen the power of one’s words control and destroy a person’s life. From the age of 13, my mother was hospitalised and diagnosed with Anorexia, which to this day, she still battles with. The disease has consumed her life, causing a level of anxiety and depression, and years of self-harm, in which then lead to periods of self-hate. Not only has this consumed her life, but it has had a major impact on the lives of her family and friends. All these people effected, because of a few arrogant and unnecessary comments.

This is just one example of the impact your words and opinions can have on a someone’s life.

Imagine if we all started to think a little before opening our mouths, imagine a world filled with positivity, encouragement and acceptance. Imagine if all we did was build people up instead of bringing them down, the consequences could be life changing. The number of suicides would go down, along with number of people who suffer from mental illness.

I guess where I am going with this, is that moving forward I will be taking the classic catchphrase “Think before you speak” more seriously, and focusing on using my words in more positive and uplifting way.

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.

Until next time homies!

Peace and Love,

Sarah Unedited

xx