Sticks and Stones…
can break our bones.
But bones can heal.
Words…
can harm us deeply.
And they can be hard to heal from.
As I looked at this photo I took last week
of a charming old building made of stone
and covered with twisted, tangled sticks,
it reminded me of the old childhood adage
“Sticks and stones may break my bones,
but words will never hurt me.”
And I realized how absurd that is…
I have suffered through
my share of broken bones in my life,
but they have healed.
There are words, however,
that have been spoken
that have changed my life forever.
Choose your words carefully…
Consider their power.
Words can seriously hurt.
But also know
words have the power
to love and heal.
They have the power
to build up
rather than tear down.
They have the power
to create positive change
now and forever.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Absurd is the perfect word to describe the old adage! I love this beautiful piece and the image go with it.
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I guess the intent was good – that people tried to help us as children get over things people can say……. I just don’t think I want to teach that.
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The tongue indeed “has the power of life and death.”
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It surely has great power!
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And your words are wise, my friend. A bit of needed warmth for my morning. (K)
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Thank you Kerfe!
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Very true Jodi, a powerful message
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Thanks Lynn!
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xx
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This post is wonderful Jodi because it is so true! I recently was thinking about that childhood chant, “sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me.” I thought, that simply isn’t true because words can hurt me and my words can hurt others if I don’t choose my words carefully. Thanks for bringing attention to this. And, I love the photo! It really does look like the childhood chant.
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I am so glad it resonates with you as well PJ! Funny that you were thinking of it too recently 🙂
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It is funny but I really did think about it recently and how it isn’t true because words do hurt me, and hurt others.
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Jodi, I just saw your youngest son’s picture with his fiancé. He is soooo handsome!
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🙂 Thanks PJ! I think so too! And he is such a sweet, kind, good hearted hardworking, thoughful young man too. If I do so say myself (proud momma!) 🙂 ❤
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That’s wonderful Jodi! His fiancé is lucky!
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Very true! I think the old adage was intended to strengthen us mentally and help us learn to deal with rejection and criticism, yet it certainly did overlook the tremendous power of words. Words can do so much damage. We need to watch them carefully.
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Yes – you are right – the intention was good – but just not sure I would ever want to say this to my grandchild…..
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I agree, at least not without a disclaimer. It could be useful for a “teaching moment” to share thoughts, but as practical advice it’s not the best.
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Oh yes ! so true, words are so powerful. x
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the most powerful – I believe… Thanks Lynne
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So true especially now!
Sent from my iPad
>
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This is one of my favorite posts of yours Jodi – thank you for sharing this. Happy Monday! 🙂
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Awh! Thanks so much Terry! 😘
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I have always hated this little rhyme because like you say it is nonsense. I have words spoken over me from years ago try to re-visit, it is a difficult one to get past. I am very sensitive about words and how I form my words towards and over people, especially children. Thank you for this post Jodi, so much truth rings in it.
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Reminds us to think a bit more before we speak. I need to remember myself sometimes. 😔
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Thank you, Jodi. Peace and blessings to you this holiday season. 🙂
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And to you too Catherine!
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Beautiful words Jodi, I love your positivity. What a lovely old cottage. xo
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Thanks Kathryn!
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Love your photo!! ❤️ I agree, words are powerful! 😊 A good reminder- thanks Jodi!! 😍
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Thank you Jill!
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How true that is!
Sent from my iPhone Pam
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Thanks Pam! 😘
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So true. Words are so powerful!
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OH Jodi, such honest words. Thank you for your sweet words that touch hearts in a good way every day! ❤
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Thank you for the sweet compliment C! ☺️
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well said, Jodi. YOu have a lovely way of imparting deep messages with a light touch.xx
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You made my day Lynda! ☺️. Thank you.
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That is one old saying that simply wasn’t true! Physical wounds heal so much more quickly than the wounds caused by ugly, hateful words. How is it that we understand that hurting someone physically is wrong, but don’t always remember that using hurtful words, whether to someone’s face or even behind their back, is also so very wrong? Thanks for the reminder to make sure that our words are never weapons, and that they can also heal, calm and uplift!
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I am so happy that it resonated with you Ann! I always appreciate your kind words!!!
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Very wise dear Jodi-
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Thanks dear Jenna! 😉
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Perhaps when we were very young the words to this old adage might have been true…when silly words didn’t hurt…but as we got older the words became stronger and more painful…so your advice is so true! 🙂
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