Words Have Wings

Words have the profound power to uplift or wound.

- Neetu B Shambharkar

Words are not just mere expressions. They are powerful tools that can uplift, inspire, and heal. When spoken with good intentions and genuine care, words have the ability to soar and make a positive impact-truly, Words Have Wings.

However, the opposite can also be true. Words used to criticise, demean, or demoralie can weigh heavily and cause harm. Have you ever encountered people who seem to focus solely on passing unnecessary remarks or finding faults in you? I'm sure many of us have faced such individuals. Recently, at a wedding reception, I witnessed a striking example.

There was a lady who was sitting in the same row as that of mine. After a few minutes, a known relative of this lady spotted and came to meet her. They both greeted each other. I was sitting just two chairs away and therefore I was able to see and hear everything. It was quite evident that they both saw and met each other after a long time. The lady sitting in my row greeted her relative with a "Hello" before abruptly saying, "Oh my God, you look so fat! Why have you put on so much weight?" It was apparent that the comment left the other woman distressed and embarrassed.

It baffles me that when people reunite, they often skip over genuine inquiries about each other's well-being or offer compliments. Instead, they focus on criticisms or negative observations. They should ask, "How are you? How is life going on?" They should compliment each other, cherish the present moment together, and reminisce about the enjoyable memories they've shared. Unfortunately, people with such understanding and empathy are rare, and more often, we encounter individuals who are quick to criticise rather than uplift.