A couple of months ago, my friends and I hiked up to the waterfalls near Carson Pass. There were several of them, and we stopped to listen to the roar of the water and feel the cool spray on our faces.
If you write for a living, you understand the power of words, both written and spoken. This came to mind as I stood next to the rushing water as it tumbled over the boulders and crashed through the drainage. The force was so strong and loud we all just watched in silence.
The spoken word can be easy to ignore and forget. Those same words in written form, however, take on new meaning and oftentimes, move one to take actions long overdue. A handwritten note from a friend, scribbled love letters and cards with those long, lovely messages written in the sender’s hand or typed on a manual typewriter. And then there are those we dread – an ominous looking letter from a stranger or a thick package from a law firm.
When communicating with loved ones, be careful of the words you use. Words can bring instant joy and happiness, or they can cut like a knife never to be forgotten. Listen. Be kind. Observe the physical reactions of others when you speak. Take a few minutes to think before you send that scathing email or angry voicemail. Better yet, sleep on it.
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 775-392-4223 or email me at feedback@dterralaw.com.
