The other day before practice one of the janitors at the school we workout at called me over. I’ve known Rich for about six years now and he’s always been great to our program. Last week I gave him a copy of my book and inscribed a very long thank you message in it for all that he’s done for us.
When he calls me over its usually either one of two things, its a comment about how hard our kids work, or a joke. This time it was completely different. Rich said to me in what could be described in a little louder than a whisper, “Your book made me cry”.
I didn’t know what to say. I’ve had people approach me about the book and say it moved them, but for whatever reason Rich’s comment caught me off guard. Maybe it was because I just gave him the book the week before or I was in practice mode. I thanked Rich for reading the book and sharing that with me. We forget how powerful words can be. It doesn’t matter if they’re written or said words can change people’s lives. With that being said it’s amazing how careless we are with them.
Go on any social media site, turn on the news, or watch one of the thousand reality shows on television and you’ll hear people throwing words around with no idea of the affect they could possibly have. The person that coined the term “silence is golden” must have been around people that didn’t have anything good to say.
When I started writing five years ago I had a choice. I could use my words to make a difference or I could be indifferent. From my very first quote I realized that my words could have a positive impact on other people, and that’s why I write.
This past week I spoke at a group home in Morristown NJ to a bunch of awesome young adults trying to make a change in their lives. I talked to them about not letting their past define their present, and believing that they could be anything they put their mind, heart, and soul to. Seeing their faces as I spoke to them, and the light come on the more I spoke gave me a feeling that I couldn’t possibly put into words.
What are you saying? Is it impacting anyone else in a positive way? Always remember that your words matter if not for you then someone else.
Yesterday morning there was a very bad accident on the GWB. A life was lost. As I sit in my car, driving to work, I listen to the radio. I listen to the words being spoken. They are talking about the accident and the traffic and how people have been sitting there for hours and hours. Wondering what is taking so long to “clean up” the accident and open the bridge. One time in the 20 minute long “story” did they mention the life that was lost. I wondered… Did the family know they just lost there father, husband, son, brother, best friend? Did they even know his name yet? Where they listening to the radio right now? I would be so angry at the way the news cast was being offered. There was no compassion for life. You are right, words can change ones life. Too many people speak to hear themselves. Clueless or careless of what others might think or say. If that family was listening, all they will remember is how their family member caused a major delay on the GWB….how sad.