And yet, I find myself compelled to leave this state of
equilibrium and begin writing. My
fascination with writing has always evolved from my belief that words, while
often powerless on their own, can become instruments of change and inspiration
when organized and strung together in the right combination (hence, the name
of my blog). For better or worse, in both simple and profound ways, words shape
who we are and how we view the world.
Think of your favorite movies, sports, songs, restaurants,
and books. I would speculate that many of these favorites which may now seem so
intrinsic to your identity first came to your attention through a recommendation
or a review. How many movies have we seen because a friend convinced us the
movie was worth seeing? How many products have we purchased because someone testified
to the products’ quality? Consider the popularity of Urbanspoon (restaurant
reviews), Amazon reviews, Rotten Tomatoes (movie reviews), and celebrity
endorsements (even Justin Bieber can sell women’s perfume). How many people
have quit smoking, lost weight, or made a major life change because they read
or heard a story about someone else who had succeeded in doing the same thing?
How many people cheer for their favorite sports team because they grew up
listening to their dad or grandpa tell stories or give commentary during the
games? How many people have endured break-ups while listening to songs written
by other people who experienced the same thing?
Or deeper still, how many people are pursuing their dream,
because someone articulated faith and belief in that dream? How many people
have found love because a mutual friend convinced them to go on a blind date? How
many people have changed their lifestyle after a compelling sermon, lecture,
news story, or conversation? And tragically, how many people have suffered from
depression or even worse, ended their life, because of the words of others?
We all inevitably find ourselves at both ends of this
exchange. We are all impacted by the words of others and we all have the
ability to impact others with our words. No one is immune. The question before
us is never if our words will have an
impact but how they will have an
impact. Given this perspective, I have decided to start a blog. My hope is that
I will find the right combination of words to build up, inspire, encourage, and
provoke thought. I do so fully understanding that the thoughts and opinions
I will share at times may seem the equivalent of a dessert photo on Facebook (something
only my mother would find interesting). However, far too often in today’s
society, people are so fearful of saying the wrong thing or having their
opinions disregarded or misunderstood that they just don’t say anything at all.
I am well aware that launching a blog
puts me at risk of unintentionally upsetting, offending, or even boring
someone. However, it also puts me at risk of blessing, encouraging, or even inspiring
someone. Words, both spoken and written, should always be weighed carefully. However,
fear should never silence us from speaking. I always remind myself that if it
has been a while since I have failed at or regretted something perhaps it has
been a while since I have tried or risked something.
After all, a compliment withheld because of fear of how it
will be received robs the recipient of joy. Sympathies unexpressed after tragedy, due to a
fear of not saying the right thing, stand no chance of bringing comfort or
support. Thoughts and life experiences trapped in the mind of one individual
will never change the world. And as the old adage reminds us, gratitude
unexpressed bears a striking resemblance to ingratitude.
Words are the medium through which every person has the
power to change a life, and in doing so, change the world. The average person
will use over 10,000 words today. How will you use yours?
