Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of inflicting injury and remedying it. -Albus Dumbledore
Being a word person, this quote strikes a chord. Albus Dumbledore always spoke with wisdom and confidence whenever he opened his mouth. He listened more than he spoke. When he did speak, Harry and his friends knew they should listen closely.
One of my favorite exercises in college writing was "power writing". Take a well written piece and then power it up. What does that mean? It involves taking word phrases and finding a better way to say it. Are there better adjectives? Are there comparisons that can breathe life into an ordinary description? How many words can be eliminated without losing clarity and meaning. There are times I can almost see a words floating around just waiting to be grabbed out the sky and placed on paper. Capturing the right words to express a feeling is its own reward.
Words can impact our emotions. They can hurt and they can help heal. We must use them wisely.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.-Proverbs 15:1
"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." -Proverbs 16:24
Gentle answers and gracious words can change the outcome of a word exchange. They can calm tempers. They can have a positive impact on our souls and health. Yes, we must choose our words wisely.
Today, I am grateful words are an inexhaustible source of magic.
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