Words vs Sticks and Stones: Healing the Soul vs the Body
It is an age-old adage that sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me. This saying, however, is deeply flawed and does a disservice to the profound impact that language can have on us. Words, far from being harmless, can pierce the soul and leave lasting scars far more insidious than physical harm.
Words Can Be More Painful Than Physical Inflictions
Words have the power to hurt far more deeply than sticks and stones. Elderly individuals often recall hurtful words from their youth with a sharpness that mirrors the throbbing of a recent physical injury. Words can leave psychological wounds that take a lifetime to heal. They can make us feel isolated, worthless, and damaged. The idea that words are merely an ethereal form of communication and do not carry tangible weight is a misnomer.
Wishing Words Would Not Hurt
As individuals, it is unrealistic to expect that words will never hurt us, no matter how much we wish it. We can try cultivating a thicker skin and not allowing words to pierce us, but the reality is, as humans, we are inherently vulnerable. Words can break our spirits, just like sticks and stones can break our bones. Emotions are just as real and impactful as physical sensations, if not more so.
Pens Are Mightier Than Swords
The phrase pens are mightier than swords reflects the immense power of language. Words influence our hearts and minds more profoundly than weapons. They can inspire, motive and manipulate. Yet, this power also means that words can be used to hurt us. Emotional pain is just as real and can persist long after a physical injury has healed.
Living with Vulnerability
Accepting our vulnerability is a critical aspect of living life to the fullest. We cannot control everything around us, but we can choose how we react to it. While it is true that being human means we are vulnerable, we can still choose to face our pain and move forward, rather than dwelling on it. Learning to heal from our wounds empowers us and equips us to overcome any challenge.
State Your Own Encouragements
When I was a child, my grandmother would often tell me, When I’m dead and in my grave, you will wish you had never called me. This statement is a form of defense and retaliatory chant. It serves as a reminder to the tormentors that they may succeed in causing emotional damage, but the hurt will eventually pass. The children who say this are asserting their own resilience and power over their bullies, showing them that they do not have control over their emotional responses.
Choosing to Empower Ourselves
Learning to shrug off hurtful words is a life lesson. It is not about letting bullies win, but about refusing to let their words poison our hearts and souls. Taking things seriously and feeling hurt gives power to the bullies, but shrugging it off and moving forward shows them that their words have no control over us. It is a form of self-empowerment that can be transferred to other areas of life. The children in the example handle bullying by deflecting the taunts, demonstrating that they are in control of their reactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, words can be just as harmful as sticks and stones, if not more so. Acknowledging this helps us not only to heal from emotional pain but also to build resilience. By understanding the power of language and choosing to use it constructively, we can turn the tables on our bullies and live our lives with strength and determination.