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May 18, 2009

why we must be careful...

words
can hurt
no matter how gently you try to use them
~~~
if your voice delivers them incorrectly
they can stab
 the thickest skin
or 
the strongest heart
~~~
but
words
can also heal
a damaged inspiration 
a weathered soul
a wounded ego
a scary thought
or
an unraveled heart
~~~
so today
think carefully and slowly about what you say
and
how you say it
knowing that the words you share with someone
will be considered 
a
gift
that will last a lifetime
especially if those words strengthen and soothe
~~~
but 
if they pierce like a thorn
those too
will last a lifetime
~~~
unfortunately
*
{macro monday photo from a hike in our woods} 




23 comments:

  1. You are beautiful, Beth. I would love to have you over for tea and sunshine.

    Happy Monday !

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  2. such a true message - the sad thing is that we as humans take negative messages to heart and tend to discount positive messages.

    great macro

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  3. Oh, now THESE words are powerful.

    It's quite amazing how much influence our words can have...and how they linger. They really do last a lifetime. Something to think about each time I share words with another.

    xo

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  4. Oh Beth just as Jaime says these words are powerful. In fact all words are. So once again you made me think about me, and what my mind puts out into words. Thanks.

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  5. AnonymousMay 18, 2009

    so true. i'm trying to disregard some hurtful words aimed at me earlier today by someone very close to me. even though i know that those words were uttered in anger, and are not actually true, i cannot help but go back to them again and again, asking myself why.

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  6. what Char said -- and it just puzzles the bejeezuz out of me -- why I 'hear' the blasts but have to repeat OVER AND OVER the verbal flower bouquets that are handed me.

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  7. I once was married to someone who was deft at delivering mean messages and then would tell me I was too sensitive. His "apologies" were always, "I'm sorry you feel that way." It's not that I remember the meanness and forget the compliments -- it's that there were very few loving messages. We were together 10 years before he told me I was pretty, but he later canceled it out by saying that although I was a beautiful woman, I didn't appeal to him. I may be alone, but I'm living with someone who loves me and takes care not to say mean things (myself).

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  8. This is relevant right at this very moment.

    Now, please excuse me, I plan on putting these pearls of wisdom to good use...

    Love you, Beth. You were really looking out for me on this one...

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  9. thinking of you while drinking my starbucks...xo

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  10. Stunning green tones and colors..and such beautiful accmpanying words.

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  11. Beautiful, beautiful words and photo. Just like Jaime says....your influence is profound. x

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  12. you have a very amazing way with words my friend~

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  13. AnonymousMay 19, 2009

    so much wisdom said with a few words thank you beth. kt

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  14. Hi Beth,

    Wise words and a most appropriate pic.

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  15. The Syncronisity of this message: I just had an email discussion with a soul in need. I wrote it one way, reread it before hitting send. This morning she says she's really hurt by it all.

    Words have power for certain. But, we also have to have the 'ears' to hear them with when spoken...

    So, I will use this post and that experience as a cautionary tale.

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  16. speaking of words, these are very wise ones. something to definitely think about. so glad you posted this.

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  17. ...and your words are just perfectly put, Beth! So very true!!!

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  18. The truth of this post just stabs me. Most everyone I know still remembers hurts from years ago. Words are the most important tool we use.

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  19. quite an insightful post. the accompanying photo fits perfectly.

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  20. A wise, beautifully written caution. Lovely.

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  21. so very true. wonderful post - gentle reminder for us all.

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**I love reading the comments you leave, as they make me feel like we're sitting in my kitchen, having a cup of tea, discussing life and wondering where all the time has gone ...beth