Most people need love and acceptance a lot more than they need advice.
—Bob Goff
The power of a word (just ONE word) is incredible. In today’s world where we have the tools to express ourselves in so many different forums, our words can be inspirational or hurtful. They reach a broad audience and spread messages of peace, and sometimes hate. We can support someone from across the world, or tear down a complete stranger in the matter of a moment.
Last week I met with a family that lost their daughter. Two words changed so many lives. Kill Yourself.
That was the two words a thirteen year old girl was texted two hours before her parents found her lifeless body in her bedroom, surrounded by her stuffed animals. They had no idea that Samantha (name has been changed) was being bullied by several classmates since she got braces. Yes, you read that right. A girl told her that she was ugly with her braces and she should kill herself. It wasn’t just one time, it was several times – over and over and over and over, and she began to believe it. She was thirteen years old, sensitive, shy, quiet, respectful, BEAUTIFUL, and felt as if she had been torn down and ripped to pieces.
Most believe it could never happen to them. Never believe that a word, or words, could make someone so depressed that they would take drastic measures. Remember back to the time you felt upset with someone. Wasn’t it words that were used to hurt you? Words can be, and are, a deadly weapon. But they can also be the most beautiful thing ever.
The internet has given many an unwritten right to be judge and jury, and be cruel while doing it, but we have to be realistic – there’s nothing we can do about it. This week I had a bit of a pity party as I was being hated on from Amazon reviewers, to nasty emails, to a radio host who was disrespectful, and even someone on my Facebook that decided they didn’t like my positive quote I posted. At first I reacted by beating myself up. Maybe I did suck. Maybe I should just stop writing. Maybe…. Then I took a step back from the sword so it wasn’t stabbing me anymore. There’s no fight, with you or them, if you get out of the way.
Words can cause harm, but there will come a time where you are smack dab in the battle of words; it’s just going to happen and you can’t stop it. You can, however, find ways to shake it off, and help teach and support others (especially kids) on ways to diffuse the hurtful words. Because haters are gonna hate and words are going to hurt, but always remember to believe in YOU.
I believe in YOU!
Believe,
Kristy
www.kristyrobinett.com
Kristy Robinett is an intuitive, life coach and author of several books. She is a mom and wife who loves farmhouses, front porches, iced tea and old cemeteries. Find Kristy at www.kristyrobinett.com or on Facebook.
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