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The power of WORDS

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance

Words, who knows what they mean!-Your words can uplift someone or hurt someone.

The tongue is a mighty sword. Mightier than the pen

Always use caution with your words. You may have to eat them someday.

A friend asked me recently what I thought about her husband using the word “shall” in their evening prayers. He thought it represented knowing good things will come and she thought it was forceful. I worked through what I thought the word really meant, and checked several dictionary resources.

I realized that it doesn’t matter what the dictionary says, or using the word precisely according to its definition… what matters is perception. Each of us, with our unique history, education, career, culture, religion, health, geography, friends, family, and experiences… have unique perceptions of the world, and of words. A word can actually never mean the same exact thing to two different people.

It’s really fun to explore this idea. Think about it, and see how many words mean something to you that no one else would know. Perhaps they are related to a person in your past who frequently used them, how you felt about that person, and how that person made you feel. Think about a word your grandparents used, or a favorite teacher, or your least favorite boss. That personal history of yours matters, and colors the definition of the word for you. Savor the magnitude of the mystery in all of that.

Even more important is that the vibe that is put out with the word. Let me give an example with the word love. If a parent says to a child “I love you, but your behavior is driving me mad right now,” that feels completely different that “I love you, you are the most perfect daughter in the whole world.” The child is going to respond much more to the vibe that comes with the word love, than the word itself. Think about the use of sarcasm, or when someone has a condescending tone.

The feeling and the emotion and the vibrational energy you put out with a word are far more important than the word itself. That is why in person communication is far more effective than phone, which is far more effective than email.

It’s not the word that matters, it is the feeling and emotion and vibrational energy behind the word that matters. Enjoy all your words. Accept the infinite number of potential perceptions out there. Savor the endless mystery of communication.


I WANT TO COMMUNICATE THAT THERE IS NO PICTURE IN THIS POST BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T WORK TODAY

Posted by

Sharon Lee

Comments (9)

Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

If you want to know what a 'word means" e-mail James. He is our resident expert. LOL

Mar 19, 2011 02:03 AM
Justin Ochs
Diamond Ochs Enterprises - Nashville, TN
Real Estate Auctioneer

Very true Sharon, God's Word says in Proverbs 18:21, The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Unfortunately, it also says in James 3:8, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

It's a constant battle!

Mar 19, 2011 02:09 AM
Ann Allen Hoover
RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL
CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

Good morning Sharon and thanks for your message.  I guess no picture is appropriate in a post about words. :o)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mar 19, 2011 02:19 AM
Chuck Carstensen
RE/MAX Results - Elk River, MN
Minnesota/Wisconsin Real Estate Expert

Justin,

Good insight on the comments.  I try to use my words for good and uplifting but I do slip sometimes.

Mar 19, 2011 02:20 AM
Navona Hart
Century 21 Realty @ Home - Farmville, VA
Selling the Best Properties in Central Virginia

Yeah, this post needs to go to the Wordsmith group!  So much of what we say is heard based on how we say it.  This is true!  good perception today.

Mar 19, 2011 02:45 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTORĀ®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Well said Sharon!  I know that sometimes emails can come off a bit unintended, so I agree with you!

Mar 19, 2011 02:53 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Some days just ALL WORDS in a post are fine. Another situation Sharon is a high level vocabulary word which is confusing as to what it means, or misunderstood, or you are clueless what it means. A simple word like enigma or sublime, many people do not know what they mean. Language is very powerful in its choice of words I agree and the tone you use them.

Mar 19, 2011 08:39 AM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Yes the words we use and the English language can use the same word and find many different meanings.  Great insight into the meaning and how they effect our lives. 

Mar 20, 2011 12:16 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Clint-Thank you.

Justin-It is indeed. Thanks for visiting

Ann-Thank you. Hope you are doing well.

Chuck-We all slip because we are all human.

Navona-Thank you for the head up. I joined and added it.

Kristin-Thank you my friend

Gary-Yes words are powerful and they can hurt and we must learn to be sensitive to those around us with our words.

James-Thank you for your input

Mar 20, 2011 01:19 AM