Power

"I have always been a reader; I have read at every stage of my life, and there has never been a time when reading was not my greatest joy."-The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.

That quote from my current novel describes my passion for words. I have always loved reading. In kindergarten I ate up each new picture book, and today my secret dream is to work in a Library. I listen to a book on tape during my workout. I simply love the knowledge to be found in a good book.

The written word is not my only passion. I also love speaking. Sharing ideas, stories, and jokes is perhaps my "greatest joy." In fact, I enjoyed speech team and public speaking. Luckily, I no longer have the #1 fear in America, the fear of speaking in public.

Why are words so exciting to me? Words are power. The first person to call the red fruit from trees "apple" had the power to define that fruit. Words describe the human heart it's good (I love you) and evil (I hate you). Think about a time when something someone said put a smile on your face, and brightened the entire day. Words are fluid. Their meanings change depending on the decade, person, or simply the pitch at which they are spoken. There are few absolutes with words, and they can never be "wrong." Simple words have become the foundations of relationships, businesses, and even entire nations.

Words must be handled very carefully. One wrong one can give the wrong impression or destroy a friendship. I have learned the hard way that words spoken without thought don't disappear. I will be the butt of one joke for years because of one simple word slip-up. On a more serious note, words once read or spoken can not be taken back. Understand the importance of that.

When speaking with your family, friends, or consumers, know what you are saying. You never know what the consequences will be. After all "speaking your mind is an awfully dangerous thing to do. Choose your words carefully."-Rick Beneteau

'till the cows come home,

Ellie