Do you remember the little saying, "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can never hurt us?" That is not true. Words can lift us up or tear us down—that is why tasting your words first before speaking to them is essential. We are on the verge of entering a season where the average person's 10,000 taste buds will be affected. Most of the taste buds are located on the tongue. The tongue also aids in extraordinarily agile and quick speaking: producing more than 90 words per minute, utilizing more than 20 different movements. However, only when the tongue, lips, and teeth work together to make sounds from the throat turn into understandable letters and words. Now that I have taken you on a brief Human Anatomy trip, let me get back to why I say your words matter and the importance of tasting them first. Words are a vital part of our existence.
Daily we use words to communicate with others. On average, most people say at least 10,000 words per day. While we often place greater emphasis on tasting the words before we speak them to others, we often fail to extend that same grace utilizing only a few, if any, of the average said 10,000 taste buds we possess to taste the words we speak to ourselves. I love the holiday season for so many reasons, especially the gathering of family and friends, the sharing of old traditions and creating new ones, and yes, indeed, the tasting of family and friends’ specialty foods. I humbly have a few requests before we head out to those gatherings, and even afterward, let us be mindful that some family, friends, co-workers, and even ourselves may be in a season that is not our choice. A season where we may be tasting loss and grief instead of tasting joy and peace. Therefore, tasting of our words before speaking to them is important, ensuring they are seasoned with love, kindness, and nourishment for all.
One of my favorite quotes by Jeff Brown reads on this wise, “Word. So powerful".
They can crush a heart or heal it. They can shame a soul or liberate it. They shatter dreams or energize them. They can obstruct connection or invite it. They can create defenses or melt them. We have to use words wisely." So, while we are gathering and tasting those delightful dishes this holiday season, let us also remember to taste our words first before speaking them to ourselves and others. So, what am I bringing to the table this holiday season as my favorite dish? I will bring words with a taste of kindness, togetherness, hope, love, and healing because I want my words to bring nourishment to myself and others. So, taste your words first before speaking to them. Our words matter!
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