I’ve always been a bit of a word nerd. I love the way they sound, the way they feel on my tongue, and the way they can paint vivid pictures in my mind. But I’ve also learned that words are a double-edged sword, capable of both great beauty and great destruction.

One of my earliest memories of the power of words was when I was a child and said something particularly stupid to my best friend. I can’t remember exactly what I said, but it was something along the lines of “You’re as dumb as a rock.” My friend burst into tears, and I felt terrible. I realized then that words could have a profound impact on people’s feelings.

As I got older, I became more aware of the different ways that words can be used. There are words that can inspire, words that can comfort, and words that can destroy. There are words that can be used to manipulate, to deceive, and to control.

I’ve also had my fair share of misunderstandings with foreign speakers. Once, while traveling in Japan, I tried to order a coffee, but the waiter misunderstood me and brought me a plate of octopus. It was a hilarious situation, but it also taught me the importance of clear communication.

In recent years, the way we use words has changed dramatically. With the rise of social media, we can now send our words around the globe with a simple click. But this also means that we have to be more careful about what we say. A careless comment can be shared with (too?) many people in an instant, and the consequences can be problematic, to say the least.

So, how have words figured into my life? Well, they’ve been a source of joy, frustration, and everything in between. They’ve helped me to connect with others, to express myself, and to learn about the world around me. But they’ve also taught me the importance of using them wisely and with respect.

As Pearl Strachan Hurd reminds us, “Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atomic bombs.” It’s a wise piece of advice that I try to keep in mind every day.

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