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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Just Words

I've been thinking about words and the power they hold. I've been thinking about how that power influences my life. How sometimes the words flow so smoothly and the picture comes together. And, how sometimes I struggle to find the words to adequately express myself.

I think about the words that have become labels in my life. How I allow those labels to define me. I reach for the words to redefine myself and change those labels. Sometimes that is easy for me, sometimes it's not.

In truth, I would like to cast off the labels, but life doesn't really allow for that. Without the labels I would be left with the question, who am I? So I learn to manipulate the words that form the labels.

Some labels I have worked hard to wear. I want to embrace those labels forever, there is comfort and security to be had in them. Some labels were given to me and were appropriate at the time. When they are no longer appropriate, they fall painlessly by the wayside.  Always to be replaced with something new, something more appropriate for the circumstances.

Some labels I never wanted and refuse to acknowledge. Unfortunately, just the suggestion of those labels is enough to influence and change me. Often I run from those labels because facing them is too hard.

It's good to remember that labels are just words. Words have power, but words can be manipulated. Context can be changed, usage can be altered, control of the power can be harnessed.

I'm learning to take control, harness the power of the words. I'm learning to use that power to walk past the labels. I'm learning to change the context of the words, to use them to redefine the labels.

Words have power.

Thank you all for sharing your words with me, for lending me your power. I will use it wisely, I will redefine myself and create the labels that I want to live with.


22 comments:

  1. You sound so strong faerie. I am proud of you.

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  2. Words have always been very important to me, to my life. They have more power that many people know. Master can make me feel many different things, just wiht words. But be careful with labels. I have always believed that labels are temporary words. There are times we have to discard them, and almost all at least need adjusting at times. Glad to hear you feeling stronger...hugs abby

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    1. Sometimes labels have layers and it takes a little longer to peel them all away. It is worth the effort though.

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  3. Wow, what a thoughtful post. You bring up some excellent points, and have given me something to ponder, myself. Now I'm wondering, what would we be like if it weren't human nature to put a label on things. What if we could just "be" without being boxed in. I'm guilty of it, I'm always looking for words, labels, and I often don't feel settled and defined until I do. I wonder how much these labels influence my actions. You know, you say something about yourself, or someone else does, and all of a sudden, at least to some extent, you view yourself in that light, whether it be accurate or not. I really enjoyed reading this post!

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    1. Sometimes the light changes and you see the label differently. It makes it easier to discard if you need to.

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  4. I'm happy for you, you have the wisdom to know that you have to create the label for your real self. My labels have been daughter, sister, wife, mom, friend, teacher and where they have all been true none of them says who I am. Like you I think I have discovered who I am by the conversations on the blogs. I don't have to hide any part of me here and that's enlightening.

    Hugs,
    PK

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    1. It is enlightening and I'm finding things I didn't know were possible. Good things :)

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  5. What's in a name anyway? A rose by any othe name would smell as sweet. And,a shithead with a high riding title is still a shithead. Labels are fine if you choose them, but NEVER let another's label define you. You a wonderfully complex person, don't let another dumb you down to a few words.

    TTFN
    Mr. No Name

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    1. Some labels just take a little longer then others to shake, I'm getting there :)

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    2. You are an amazing and strong woman, you will get there.

      TTFN
      Mr. No Name

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  6. They sure do have power! Labels can be useful or really harmful. They come and go but like you I have found them useful when used positively.

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    1. I'm finding some positive ones, and letting go of some of the ones that weren't so positive. It's a good thing :)

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  7. Words are powerful but can only hurt you if you allow it. Here are some labels that apply to you. WIFE, MOTHER, FRIEND, CARETAKER, LOVER and so forth. THey are the only ones that count.

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    1. I think I have gotten to a place where some of the really negative ones are no longer an issue. It's been difficult, but worth every bit of it :)

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  8. Sticks and stones ........... yes, words can be very powerful, if you let them be. I'm not a big fan of labels either. Is it human nature, ignorance? I much prefer to see things at face value and then make my mind up. Very interesting post faerie. Apologies if I've missed the point. I'm maybe over excited at being able to use Mitch's wi-fi for the weekend lol!

    Dee x

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    1. Yeah Dee, welcome back even if it is only for the weekend :)

      You didn't miss the point, just me doing some adjusting :)

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  9. Faerie,
    I read this post and I wanted to reply, but I could not think of what to say that others had not said. Then today on my page a day calendar at work was this verse--
    "Let your speech be aways with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
    Colossians 4:6
    So, I know your post was about words, but words and speech go hand and hand and so I just wanted to share.
    Have a good weekend.

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    1. Thank you for sharing, it is a lovely verse, and does seem appropriate for this post :)

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  10. nice post...am loving your blog...

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