Sticks and Stones Can Break Your Bones, But Words Can Definitely Hurt You

Do you remember that old saying? “Sticks and stones can break your bones but words will never hurt you.” I remember reciting it as a child, a kind of mantra we were taught to say when faced with taunts or teasing. Teachers, parents, and other adults would echo it when playground conflicts arose, as if those words alone could shield us from the pain of insults or harsh remarks. But even as a child, I knew it wasn’t true.

Words did hurt. They cut deeper than we liked to admit, leaving wounds that didn’t heal as quickly as a bruise or a scrape. Those words echoed in our minds, shaping how we saw ourselves and how we believed others saw us. And as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized just how powerful words truly are.

Recently, a former politician was found guilty of murder—a crime committed against a journalist who had written stories about the politician's unethical behavior towards his staff. The words in those stories hurt the politician’s reputation so deeply that he plotted, planned, and ultimately executed a murder. The idea that words are harmless couldn’t be further from the truth.

As I publish each issue of Queen Connect, I am acutely aware of the power of words. Every article, every story has the potential to uplift or to wound, to inspire or to condemn. This awareness is not something to be taken lightly. Words have consequences. They can build bridges or burn them, heal wounds or open them wider.

It’s important to remember that while words can hurt, they can also empower. They can be tools for change, for justice, for love, and for understanding. We must choose them wisely, knowing that they carry weight and influence. We should never underestimate their impact.

So, as you read this issue of Phatabulous Magazine, I encourage you to think about the words you use daily. Think about the words you allow to influence you. Let’s commit to using words that heal, uplift, and inspire. Let’s acknowledge that words do hurt, but they also have the power to bring about tremendous good in the world.

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