In Hindsight: The Power of Words

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Why yes, it is a picture of the words you are reading on a screen within the screen of the words you are reading right now. Yay for cheap shots at pseudointellectual depth!

I was reminded of the power of words recently. This statement might seem odd seeing as I work with words everyday as a journalist, but familiarity can breed, well not contempt, but a certain feeling of “meh.”

But recently a colleague joked that working on my computer would crash it; sure enough, it did (although this is not new; our work computers are very old and I’m sure the mice running in their wheels need a break every now and then.)

That moment in turn reminded me of another instance when words turned out all too prescient: the first time Bjorn and I hung out.

We were hanging out with a group of familiar and not-so-familiar faces in Hollywood. A movie was seen, food was consumed, a band was heard, food was consumed again (although someone ditched the group to search for pizza), new friendships were formed and in general, there was laughter and gaiety all around.

Then we headed back to our cars. We had met in one place to carpool around town, but it being L.A., of course we had all driven to that spot separately. On our way to my car, about 2 minutes away from where it was parked, Bjorn called out, with no small amount of snark, “I bet you got towed.”

Two minutes later, we found out he was right.

As you might imagine, this put a strain on our burgeoning friendship.

However, he really was contrite when the towing was confirmed, and drove me to the tow yard, and stayed until I got my car back. But what if this was how life really worked? Now I’m not here shilling for “The Secret” (I believe things like, I don’t know, hard work and determination have a greater say in how things get done) but what if everything you said came true?

What percentage of your words would you use to benefit yourself versus others (if at all?) What would be your first words knowing you had this power?

I imagine it would change conversation greatly. I imagine a lot of good could come from it. People might be more careful with what they said.

But on the other hand, I imagine it would be a lot harder to guilt Bjorn into buying me cookies again.

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5 Responses to In Hindsight: The Power of Words

  1. mdj says:

    WORLD PEACE… then a million tax-free dollars in my bank account.
    and restored health for all my loved ones. Wow! That’s like 3 wishes. Who needs genies when you can just have “The Secret”.

    Seriously though, I still think hard work and a positive mental attitude work best.

  2. Those are pretty good. Come on, Secret! 😀

  3. C. says:

    “what if everything you said came true? What percentage of your words would you use to benefit yourself versus others (if at all?) What would be your first words knowing you had this power? ”

    I’d probably choose the 100% to benefit others, after all it would benefit me too because what’s good for another person probably is good for me too!

    What will be my first words? Probably “How long do I have to think about this?” If I could have 3 great wishes over a lifetime, then I could probably think of the best wishes ever! I doubt I could think of something other than temporary in 1 second.

    Nice article

  4. Wisely said. I think you’d have no problem conversing with others. 😀

  5. actually good says:

    Finally, you wrote an article that talks more than about your taba-ness. now that i said you are taba, i guess it is true….

    Jammie, don’t post this, it’s for your eyes only because they are dripping with taba.

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