Every Day's a Holly Day

"Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." We have all heard those words. I remember when someone in elementary school would say something mean, we would spew that little saying right back at em and put our hands on our hips and walk away thinking, " well, we told them." 

Yeah, back in like the second grade ( the same age as my Anika ) I had a friend who I will not mention by name Amy Henderson  who told me that their Lisa Frank trapper keeper was cooler than my wal-mart one.  It might have made me a bit mad, upset, and jealous, but guess what... the next day we were friends again and back to getting "Holly and Amy talk to much" written on our report cards.   Yeah, back in the wonderful years of childhood when the biggest problems were in the school cafeteria line when you had to choose between pizza and chicken nuggets, and Lisa Frank trapper keepers.  Children are so eager to forgive and get back to being BFF's. Even after hardcore trapper keeper slandering. ;) 

Then we start growing up... second grade turns into the ugly years of seventh and eighth grade. I always loved school and never had a problem making friends or fitting in, but even for me those middle school years were not my favorite. When people ask me if I would go back and do it all again, I always say,  "YES... if I can skip seventh and eighth grade." Those were the years where "clicks" started. Everyone started having boyfriends and girlfriends. The years that not everyone could just play basketball or volleyball you had to actually make the team. They were also the years where it seems everyone got the "lets say mean things and not monitor what comes out of our mouths" syndrome. It's amazing the things that can come out of the mouths of middle schoolers and not in a "kid's say the darndest things" kinda way either. I am talking about hurtful, heart breaking things. You are to fat. You are to slow. Your  clothes come from wal-mart not American Eagle and Abercrombie. You aren't cool enough. No you can't come to my sleepover that the rest of the class is invited too.... Those are all things that I heard people say to other people. My thing that was ALWAYS said to me was, " Wow, you are like the Jolly Green Giant." Holly, you are just so tall..... how's the weather up there. You are the biggest one in the whole school. Yeah, all of those were true, and they didn't bother me 99.9999% of the time, but it still got old. Yes, I know I am tall. Yes, I know I am larger than most of the population of Tennessee, but hey.... give a girl a break. ;) Anyway, you get the point, those were the years I really started to notice that words can really really hurt people and once the words are said they can never be UNsaid. 

Words can be dangerous if used in mean hurtful ways. Causing doubt and killing self esteem. Words can cut deeper than a knife. Those bruises and body wounds from the "sticks and stones" can be healed, but the wounds the words leave can last a life time. Something that takes 1o seconds to say, can effect someone the rest of their lives. Something said in a burst of anger can lead to self loathing and and a feeling of worthlessness. So, we MUST be careful with our negative words. Our useless words that leave wounds on the hearts of others. Remember what your momma said... " If you don't having something nice to say, don't say anything at all." Wise words from Mommas everywhere.

On the other hand, beautiful words can lead to great things. Share your positive thoughts. Let those words flow freely. If your child does great on a spelling test, praise them. If your friend lost a few pounds and you notice she is looking healthier, TELL her. If you think your child's teacher is doing a great job in a certain area, let her know. If your husband works hard for you and your kids, let him know that you are thankful and proud of him. Good words can boost someone. Can make their day. As easily as it is to tear someone down with negative words, you can lift someone up with positive words. You can make someone's day by saying, " hey, I notice how hard you have been working, good job and I am proud of you!" 

Let us all choose our words wisely today... positive energy can only bring positive things. We cannot always control the things that happen around us, but we can control the things that come out of our own mouths. Think positive thoughts and positive words will follow. 

Make this Friday the best day of your week and lift someone up in the process! 

-Holly