May break your bones,
but words can tear you apart!”
“Don’t forget we are now in the ‘Age of
Communication’.
We communicate with words
far more than we do with action.
So actions …
are not speaking louder than words
… right now!”
*
“The damage being done by words right now
is worth 1,000 pictures!”
~ Penny L Howe, 2013
*
Definitely something to think about!
What direction are your words taking?
Penny
The Why About This 
I have always felt that words spoken to hurt another being leave far deeper scars than any physical hurtful act. Great post as always Penny. 🙂
Thanks LuAnn! Me too. As a child, had my fair share there re: other children, so I never quite “got” the saying I must have heard a kazillion times or more growing up, lol! 🙂
So true. Words can be unbelievably strong and hurtful, and leave deep scars.
Yes, you are correct, sadly a truth!
The age of the internet speaks in digital and not much action on words happening nowadays.
This is so genius of you writing this. 🙂 Bravo! Penny….
P.S. I just recently posted on my youtube account 8 videos of me reciting my poetry here in L.A. Would you like to see them? you’ll finally know who I am, what I look like…and what Charlie Zero is about. 🙂
Sounds fascinating, where do I go to view you Charlie? 🙂
Here’s the link:
enjoy it. oh! one more thing….try to guess how old I am. 🙂
I like to think my words are amiable and possibly a bit bizarre but as always it’s good to have a reminder of how we can be perceived by others…the only thing that frustrates me about writing is that it can be taken out of context without facial expressions or the rhythm breaking stage directions for the words…when we are all doing holographic talky blogs then life will be better and possibly space age!
That’s true, I’m sure we’re headed that way too SteJ! xx
I always thought the original expression was nuts – words can be so hurtful and truly damaging, sometimes taking a lifetime to be mended, if ever.
We should always be careful what we say and how we say it. 🙂
Absolutely Sally, absolutely dear friend! 🙂 xx
Penny, when in doubt….be quiet!
Something I also find helpful, is when I write something feeling somewhat furious about an issue, I save it as a draft, then revisit my ‘words’ a day later. Upon further review, I can see more clearly with a cool head, and take out what was purely penned in the heat of the moment.
It’s difficult being your own editor, but a new perspective helps.
Pilate asked a question: ‘what is truth,’ and could have rightfully received a scathing rebuke, but more powerful was the response: complete silence. Something I need to learn more of.
Those are very smart thoughts and words. Silence, sometimes, the perfect sound to make! Thank you for your wise comments! And for dropping by to visit!
Oh the words…
This is why I don’t accept apologies. I feel like when someone says something – they meant it at the time that they said it & now I know where I stand in their book. Do I ever say not so nice things to anyone? Oh – of course I do. I’m a passionate kinda’ person. And – if I don’t say it out loud – my face always does. Do I regret what I say? Not really. To some I may be a little rough & too blunt – but – I like to be true to myself & keep me real. I don’t go out bashing for fun though – It’s not my style.
God help me!
xx 🙂 🙂 xx
The thing I like best about RoSy, is she is always perfectly RoSy, that is, I mean she is her own person, who happens to be really cool in my book (with words)! 🙂 xo
Awww…THANKS 😀
Can’t help but feel the love & love you back!
xx 🙂 🙂 xx
Not as good as an actually real time hug, but the best I can do at a distance my dear neighbor! Much love! 🙂 xo
I remember when I was growing up, my parents used to say to me:
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words will never hurt me
but I told my kids
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words can completely destroy me
I know I have been one to speak without thinking, when in fact I should have been thinking without speaking.
I think most of us (even today) are told that, more or less and we all struggle with finding the right balance, Alastair. It isn’t easy so we make mistakes. But we learn from our mistakes and grow. And that just about sums up life, Always a new day to do something positive with! xx
I saw something the other day. I can’t remember if it is on the post I have scheduled for Thursday, but it is something along the lines of “Each day, my success in surviving my problems is 100%” I may have seen it as a comment somewhere, but it was something that stuck in my mind. You may have said it though lol
That’s a cool quote Alastair. Wasn’t me, “My success ratio at solving problems is directly proportional for my desire to solve them.” Now that’s me! 😉 xx
I like that one too. I’ll have to write those down for when i come back :-). If I decide to come back that is. I may like it being away too much
Hey “go with the flow – your own, is always the best flow to be on!” 🙂
Yep 🙂
Words are a powerful weapon. the scars they leave will last a lifetime. Sticks and stones indeed..
Yup! A truth … truly! xx
Your words do sum it up perfectly… Words say it all as we are not around people that much to see action!!
Thank you. Many days I do envy your lifestyle over there, however! Just so you know!!!!
Oh! My! This is such a powerful post.
But can words really become more powerful than actions? So where do our actions come from? If it is from our thoughts, would that mean there is this misalignment between our words and thoughts? Would that not make us phony?
Shakti
Hi Shakti, Yes all that you speak of are very good questions. I should have said “words spoken without thought or spoken with an intent to hurt or ridicule, and better yet, using “words that should be spoken with the thought of improving communication and helping us (humans become closer together)! Thank you for your very wise thoughts my friend, hope all is well with you!
Penny
Penny it is funny how words have never bother me when I’ve been on the receiving end…probably from the time in the army when NCO’s had a go at you everyday, all of this I saw as latent humour… and when I became an NCO myself I did my best to make all comments as humorous as possible… however I know words can hurt and some times after I’ve commented I wonder if the recipient will read it in the same manner as I’ve tried to pen it… I just hope I never hurt anyone with a comment…
Bulldog, I just can’t imagine you writing a hurtful comment. I really can’t. I was referring to the larger picture. Political words (with hidden agendas) Multinational Conglomerate Corporations (with hidden agendas). the interactivity of social media such as facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc., those sorts of words. Both the blatant and the ones with undertones to them.
I want my words to leave a positive imprint on this world. 🙂 That’s my life’s goal.
Hi Cameron, And a perfect life goal it is! Thank you for your visit, neighbor (not too awfully far from the Canadian border here in Washington State, lol! 🙂
Totally! The best neighbours in the word. 🙂
Nice reading about you
Thanks. I invite you to visit my blog Ajaytao2010@wordpress.com. Browse through the category sections, I feel you may definitely find something of your interest.
Thank you, I shall come for a visit shortly, thank you for your kind invitation! 🙂
thank you so much dear
Reblogged this on Tell me about it and commented:
This caught my attention immediately because words can tear you apart. Especially if you are in the mending processes. We all should handle each others hearts with care. I love the way Penny shares this so clearly, really awesome!
Penny, Couldn’t help notice…. peripatetic is very different from peripathetic.
Thank you. It is indeed, I have corrected the error. I appreciate your pointing that out to me!
So so so true! This is so important!
Yes it is. Michelle. People are so very quick to use hateful words and expressions today. It is unfortunate.
This is so true. I have heard read the worse things and I think they are more brave because it’s not in person. But words always do hurt. Would you mind if I relobgged this?
I’l be very happy for you to reblog. thank you very much Michelle!