The Final Word?

I was going to write a post about the power words hold. It is a love/hate relationship.  But as I started typing my thoughts shifted to the idea that words have little influence until they are heard and or read.  Power is in the listening, reading and interpreting. Which is all done through the narrative of our personal life. Held values, beliefs and experiences. (remember the game telephone?)

And the examples are all around us!  To call out a few…

Media – they no longer report words to us that we may process ourselves.  We get inserted adjectives, suggestive language and opinions.  Talking points repeated over and over until our subconscious makes them fact and influences behaviors. We align with those we identify with more, find an element of trust in. 
Wouldn’t it be nice if individual reasoning replaced group think?

Politicians – what if we could only read a speech or quote? No visual, no attached tone, no preconceived agenda. How would we decipher it through the filter of heart and mind?  When I know I have a bias, I look for the transcript, attempting to manage my weakness. (Sidebar-Given the climate, I am reimagining elections…  We vote only by our principles, never a candidate. Campaign seasons are months, not years. Rallies, townhalls and ads build up positions, not tear down people.)  
Wouldn’t it be nice if measurable results not rhetoric spoke louder?

Emails – I have tried to practice and encourage others to read these in monotone, without adding emotion or assuming the voice it was written in.  Too often a single, unintended sentiment, has altered relationships. We don’t know the day someone is having or realize their hot button. If I am meant to consider a tone, then be it person to person. The added benefit of, in person, observing body language and looking eye to eye.
Wouldn’t it be nice to speak on our own rather than spoken for?

Communications -  As wisely put in the, potentially life changing highly recommended, book “The Four Agreements”, all communication is done through a lifetime of built up agreements within.  What we say and do, the mirror of viewpoints, knowledge and feelings.  It is not about “us” personally but is personal to “you”.  Being able to embrace this, opens unbelievable possibility to better understand, appreciate and learn from each other. Avoiding competition where it is not relevant.
​Wouldn’t it be nice if conversations were exchanges that validated what we uniquely offer?
  
You and your narrative are powerful!
How will spoken and written words compliment and or challenge your story, today? 
Thank you for considering my words. I present them thoughtfully. Curious, how were they received?
​Why?  

​ReImagine Possibilities., Inc