The Power of the Little Words

This week, there were a number of instances where I gave some heavy thought to the power that even little words have in our lives.  A girl I work with gave me a list or rather, MANIFESTO, of things that are just good for people to live by.  After I read the list (and there are some VERY good items that I'll likely blog about later), I started thinking about the word "manifesto".  I always felt the word was extremely strong, but that it had a negative connotation.  I don't know why but I'm sure it had something to do with what I learned when I was in school.  To be honest, I think I associated it with communism.  But it's not a negative word.  It's a public declaration of one's intentions, motives or views.  I LOVE the strength that I feel from this word. 

Here's another one...while watching the season premiere of "House" (one where I was a bit skeptical that they could show two hours of him in a psych ward but it was done to perfection), he uttered two words from the heart.  Two words that should be in everyone's vocabulary.  Two words that should only be used when coming from the heart, but at the same time be quickly on the lips.  Those two words...."I'm sorry".  Say it with meaning, folks.  I'm sorry.  There's no weakness there.  Not when it comes from the heart. 

And one more word that I always give thought to...one I've used here today.  This one is probably a bit more controversial.  The word is "should".  Somehow, I can't get away from the fact that the word "should" is judgmental.  I've had discussions with people about how it is often used to teach kids what is expected of them.  But isn't that a judgment call?  Seriously, we all have different thoughts on how we raise our kids, so telling our kids what they should or shouldn't do might be different from one family to the next.  Try to listen for how many times someone says the word "should" and really think about whether it is a judgment on their part.  It's no wonder you hear "why?" from the little ones when we tell them what they should do.

Okay, so enough of the food for thought.  I'm sorry, but I should be going.  I've got plenty of things on my to-do list today (just can't seem to fit the word manifesto in there!!). 

Have a happy Sunday!