[I wrote this post as a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group where we share our worries and also offer support and encouragement to each other on the first Wednesday of every month. If you’re a writer like me and you’re looking for a bit of support, you can click the link and sign up here]

This month’s awesome Co-Hosts feature other fabulous writing friends: Lee Lowery, Juneta Key, Yvonne Ventresca, and T. Powell Coltrin! 

Check out our IWSG homepage for recent news and events.  And as always, thank you to founder Alex J. Cavaugh 🙂 

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The meaning of words strung together to communicate meaning has changed through my experiences.

As a child, I struggled to read. I struggled to communicate my complicated thoughts clearly so others understood what I meant for them to hear. In high school, I thought if I knew complicated words, I’d master the art of reading. I studied words in a seminars class. I’d write out lists of vocabulary terms, synonyms, antonyms, and all the definitions. The problem later came to be, I couldn’t figure out how to incorporate these new complex words into my own speaking. Until I discovered Shakespeare. I fell in love with his speech.

This month’s IWSG Question asked: What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

Words and meanings have changed. They continue to change as I work to simplify more with less. Later in my career centered world, I discovered the power of the spoken word—finally. Someone actually believed in my presentation skills enough to hire me as a public speaker. I spoke every day in presentations to managers for three years.

Now when I think of the power of the word and language, one movie, one vision flashes through my mind. In this single vision I see this man’s emotionally distraught face with giant eyes, bulging veins in the neck and a wide-open mouth as he helplessly screams “FREEDOM!”

You’ve got it. Braveheart. Mel Gibson has always been one heck of an actor in my book. Moved, I couldn’t help but feel my own heart sink and soar on a roller coaster of hope and sorrow. This is a GIPHY MP4. The actual seen in my head is too heart wrenching to share.

My mind shifts again. When was the last time someone told you something great about you? If it’s been longer than you can think, I hope you can say something great about yourself, right now.

Use your words to inspire. To give hope. Everyone deserves a shot at his or her dreams.