Often times we take many aspects of life for granted. I think one of the biggest underappreciated entities in our day to day lives is words. We say them, we read them, and in some cases we even play around with them to create a new one. As of right now there are 1,025,109 words in the English language, yet it amazes me that the smallest amount of words can pack a big punch. Words can be used for great things such as celebration of a person's life. On the contrary, words can do terrible things such as help a mastermind persuade a country that genocide is the way to righteousness.
A sub-category within the undermining of words is most definitely the absence of them. The absence of words, is incredibly crucial in any situation––however, just like good and evil, the absence of words loses its power without words. This is a confusing concept, but look at it this way. If someone were to stay silent in a conversational situation, it wouldn't make sense without the context of a previous conversation. If we add the fact that the previous conversation was a fight, we can draw a conclusion that the silent individual is upset with the other. In some cases silence is the loudest cry for help or scream. In other cases silence is seen as comforting. Both sides of words help us move forward in our everyday lives and keep the world turning.
Now that we have talked about the absence of words, let's address the elephant in the room. The other half of the existing codependency involves what is said, texted, tweeted, emailed, blogged, or written. Words are known to be one of the only things able to move mountains without lifting a finger. What amazes me most is that in most parts of our lives that we consider pivotal, the smallest words are used. I will is to baptism as I do is to marriage as I love you is to someone's last goodbye. What do they all mean? That my friend is for you to decide. Each person experiences every set of words in an absolutely different and unrepeatable way. Yes, humans are capable of terrible things, but take a step back to appreciate how beautiful that experience is. Breathtaking.
The human mind is capable of so many things that involve words. They allow us to convey information, feel emotion based off of connotation and rationalize the beautiful world around us. So next time you write a letter, note, book, or even have a conversation, know that what is formed is powerful, unique, seductive, and most of all, know that they came from you. Please word responsibly.
