One word. Sometimes that is all it takes to change everything. This is because words have the power to change the things and people around us. A spoken word can be even more effective when it intersects perfect timing. If allowed to continue, these life changing moments can ultimately affect a person’s life for better, or worse. Anyone who has a family or has been to school, knows how devastating words can be. We all know the harm that can come emotionally from a spoken word, usually at the worst time.

While in college, I took a music class that had nothing to do with engineering. Admittedly, my attitude could have been better about being forced to take such a class. It was decided to make the best of it. Many things were taught but only one thing from the class remained firmly planted in my memory. The teacher taught me to listen. Wow, what an earth-shattering revelation there; one might ask, why am I reading this book again? Allow a moment for an explanation.

Hearing is a natural sense that does not have to be taught. Listening, however, is something else. Simply put, sounds create things which are heard. However, our brain takes in so much information that it must categorize and prioritize what to focus on. In order not to be overwhelmed, our mind chooses what to target and focuses mostly on that, neglecting most other sounds heard. While intentionally learning to listen, it fine-tuned the process, and allowed me to focus on all kinds of things that were normally ignored. All of a sudden, it was like a new world opened up to me.

Somehow the art of listening continued but grew into something unexpected that had nothing to do with music at all. Either during conversation with others or overhearing others talk, I started to notice that people do not listen. They often hear what we say but seldom listen intently to the words we are saying, which is at the root of our breakdown of communication. When communication fails, trouble is close. This can become one of those moments when the things and people around us change.

During years of listening, the importance of a spoken word seems clearer than before. After listening to people talk to one another, it seemed more obvious why they wanted more distance between each other. In other cases, when positive, encouraging words were spoken, even I wanted to be around the ones who spoke that way. In the best cases, the value of one word brought new life to relationships. In the worst cases, it figuratively brought death, like low self-esteem or an end to a relationship.

Either way, it became clear that words could be used to tear down or build up. The fate of a spoken word rested upon the one who would speak it aloud. Therefore, the destiny of a spoken word remains unclear to others while it remains a thought in the individual wondering whether or not to say it. Without having statistical data on the percentage of positive versus negative dialogue, it would seem that if enough people were asked, they would say most of the things they hear are negative. Finding what is wrong seems to be the easiest thing in the world to do.

For a child, attaching one word to them can alter the course of their destiny. Worthless and lazy carry the same effect as priceless and hardworking, just in the opposite way. If using the wrong words, it is never too late to change. Changing at this stage of the game may seem like it will never pay off, and that might be true as far as anyone can tell. But at least there is a chance it brings favorable results.

Recognize the value in one Word. For two people truly in love, the word changes everything. To the person who always doubted themselves, there is a newfound power when they change their wording from, I doubt to I believe. The word possible gives rise to faith. The word habit often carries with it a limited belief system, based on addiction to toxic substances. Imagine when it could mean small steps acted out daily toward building a better life. Pay attention to words because they are either building the life of dreams or nightmares.

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Today’s post is an excerpt from Jeff Kayser’s book titled “The Value of One.” Return every week to read a new excerpt from the book. Why wait? The book in its entirety is available today at Amazon. Click the link below for the book’s video trailer.