THE POWER OF WORDS

In January of each year, I know many people who choose a word that they are going to live by for the year. There have been postings on FaceBook where you look at a square that is full of letters, and the first 3 words you see will be the words for your year. And I have watched a documentary where the scientist was "proving" that there is actual power in words. 

Over the last three years or so, I have come across words which are meaningful to me when I've been out shopping, and I bought them to place in my studio. They are a reminder to me of the things which are really, really important in my life, and hopefully reflect in my art. And I DO believe there is power in words, and in focussing on those words. As I see these around my studio and home, I am constantly reminded to keep things in perspective, to not get too hung up on the little problems or details. These are what matter.

 I am keeping my eyes open for more words to collect, but for now, these are the ones I have...

THE POWER OF WORDS

 

I believe words have power, whether they are spoken or read. I have only to think back to my childhood to remember how cruel words cut so deeply that, although the wounds are healed, there are still scars. When I hear the words to certain songs I listened to as a teen, I am swept back in time to a place, or a scene, or a certain smell or experience. Certain words I have read remain with me although I read them eons ago: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times", "To be or not to be, that is the question..."  Words carry great potential to bless, or to injure...

I have words in my studio which are really important in my life - words which inspire me to live a certain way. They remind me of the values I hold, of what I want to keep as the priorities in each day.  Of these words in my studio, "FAMILY" is my highest ranking value word. Whether it is my husband, my children, my grandchildren, extended family - family is irreplaceable. The times we spend together and the memories we build leave a legacy of love, laughter, security, caring, kindness, and so much more! My family is such a wonderful support to me... I do not know where or what I would be without them!

"HOPE, FAITH, LOVE" are three more values which I have opportunity to live out each day, both in the relationship I have with my God, and in meeting or communicating with family and friends. I want my days to be filled with the light of these words extended to others. 

"PEACE" is what I want to experience and be filled with - not anxiety, striving, fear, anger, sorrow, disappointment, or any other negative emotion that so many are struggling under now. In all of my circumstances, I desire to experience the deep peace that comes from knowing my life is more than the sum of this moment, this day, this year - I am in Good Hands.

There are 2 more (well actually 3 more) words I saw a while ago that I would have bought in a heartbeat if I were still earning a full time salary: "BELIEVE" and "GIVE THANKS". I want to believe that the dreams and desires of my heart will come to be, and I want to be reminded to give thanks each day for all I have been blessed with as well as for life itself.

What words reflect the values you hold? Do you have them posted somewhere to remind you of those values, especially in the difficult times? My hope for you is that you have peace and joy in each day, in spite of any difficulties you may be experiencing. :-)