Words and their meaning

Do you ever stop and consider the true power of words? Words are a tool used to verbally communicate information to one another. We use words to exchange ideas, express thoughts, emotions, and concepts, sometimes in our haste, we forget the power words carry as we use them. An example that comes to mind is during the 2020 pandemic—when the CDC recommended limiting face-to-face contact to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the term “social distancing” emerged. Looking back, I wonder why it wasn’t called ‘physical distancing,’ and if using those words might have made a difference.

I question this as I reflect on the collective grief of the world that is still mourning the losses it experienced during the pandemic, the losses that are still happening directly and indirectly from it, and the lack of support, communication, and space to attend to those griefs.

On a personal level, I’ve come to appreciate just how powerfully words resonate in my own life. Recently, while attending an online course, I found myself in a breakout room sharing what I needed to nurture within myself. One participant reflected, “It sounds like you’re working on integration.” Their words stirred a tension in my gut, prompting me to reply, “Thank you, and in hearing your reflection, the word that comes to mind is remembering.”

I am continually remembering all the ways I remain completely whole, no matter my state of mind.