The Damage We Don’t See - The Power of Speech

 

Do you know how deep a stone thrown in the river will sink? No! you can’t truly see how deep it sinks. All you see is the splash… but the real impact happens out of sight. It’s the same with our words. You know what you said, but you don’t always know how deeply it affected someone, how far the hurt travelled, or how long the impact of what you said will last.

Words are like eggs. Once they fall, they break. No matter how hard we try, they can never be put back exactly the same. The same goes for things we say. Once the words leave our mouths, they cannot be unsaid, reversed, or forgotten. This is why we must be mindful of what comes out of our mouth, especially in moments of anger, frustration, or stress. A single thoughtless sentence can create a damage far deeper than we intended.

We've seen this play out in different ways in real life. A long friendship can begin to crumble because of a hurtful remark spoken in the heat of an argument.

The same applies in families. Where parents for example, overwhelmed and exhausted, may snap at a child with harsh criticism. The child may not respond, but the wound of the words will settle quietly within. Long after that moment has passed, the child may still remember how those words made them feel; hurt, small, inadequate, or unimportant.

So also in our workplaces. Even if we apologize afterwards, the sting of those words can linger for years, shifting the relationship in a ways that may never fully return to what it used to be.

The truth is, we often forgive actions quicker, but we rarely forget painful words. Because such words cut deeply into the heart. Before speaking, especially in anger, it is wise to pause, breathe, and choose our words carefully or stay silent. Silence is often better than regret. A moment of patience can prevent a lifetime of hurt. In every interaction, choosing kindness and thoughtfulness is a strength that makes our relationships and ourselves better.

MaidenWura.