Words, words, more words

Stories have such incredible power. They can control our lives when we allow them too. We can learn valuable lessons if we listen to the words of others. For as long as there has been communication, there have been stories. Long before there was written word, Paleolithic man used stories to survive. Language evolved through the telling of successful hunts which helped to better hone skills and become more proficient; to increase human dominance over nature and beasts. They used stories to tell of weather, of food to eat, of plants used for healing.

Eventually symbols were used as a common language; hieroglyphics helped create a more permanent record of daily life, stories celebrating the gods; a record for future generations to those who had the knowledge of the meaning behind the symbols. Eventually those early cuneiforms gave way to papyrus root being pounded, separated, then water was added, and the resulting pulp was stretched out to form the first paper. Words were recorded on rolled papyrus scrolls, written with ink made from plants. During later years, monks dedicated their lives to hand copying stories from ancient scrolls, or compiling and recording on paper tales passed down throughout the years. Eventually, in a comparatively short period of time, the printing press was invented around 600 years ago, and since then storytelling and communication have soared to new heights.

Words can have such an impact on our lives. Then can teach us lessons on how to better live our lives, they can hurt us or help heal if we allow it. Words are not concrete, yet they can be so full of weight they can change the course of lives.

I have been thinking of words all day today. We had a lazy day in which none of us really left the house. We were outside a good deal, but we did not leave the yard. We watched movies a lot today. The first movie we saw was called Riding in Cars with Boys. Drew Barrymore’s character is full of life and laughter. She bubbles over with fun and joy in the beginning of the story. Her father tells her to not be afraid to ask for anything; that he would give her whatever she wanted for Christmas. It is obvious that he means material presents. But Drew, in her childhood is not aware of this and she decides to tell her deepest darkest wish to her father; not that she wants a doll or toys to play with. She really just wants a bra to show off her new, budding breasts. She talks a mile a minute and she tells her father that is her wish; to have a bra for Christmas. Dad shuts her down and in turn, this shuts her down.  She learns the power of words; her father promises the moon and stars but cannot provide the most basic thing she needs; to be validated and really listened to. Words affected the trajectory of her life. It is fascinating that we rely on others validation so often. The phrase actions speak louder than words must truly have originated during Paleolithic times when an action would clearly save a life more often than a word would. We modern humans put so much stock in them.

In my thoughts about words and stories tonight I was thinking of J. K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series. What a brilliant use of words. I cannot imagine the world without Harry Potter in it, and he is a relatively new entity in the grand scheme of history. The words that flowed from J.K. Rowling’s mind are just an incredible feat. She described in minute details each aspect of each novel. It was easy to picture the castle, the classes, the Quidditch games, the red and gold of Gryphondor’s house colors. There is such a brilliance of the combination of characters from mythologies and religions, even old graveyards where many of the character names came from. It is every author’s dream to write the classic book that will be cherished for many years to come, and Harry Potter is one of those treasures. All of my own life I have wanted to create the Great American Novel. It is something I believe many writers imagine, just as actors dream of winning the coveted Oscar, or Grammy awards to musical talents.

Words do matter. They can change lives, improve and enhance our lives. They can make us or break us; Drew Barrymore’s character did not learn the life lesson about words until she was in her mid-30’s. Harry Potter learned that sometimes the words we are not taught matter the most; your parents loved you and gave their lives for you is a huge life lesson. I am thankful for the words given to me in my lifetime, and for how they flow from me onto paper or a computer keyboard. Words do matter.