Thoughts From My Mind: The Words We Write Vs The Words We Say
12.29.23
This is me typing and thinking out loud. These are my thoughts, opinions, and personal insights. This will not be edited. This will not be organized in structure or any particular order of importance. I was reading the poetry of one of my friend’s mom, it got me thinking and has inspired me to write the following down below. As I have learned from Henery X this is the importance of how our written words are offerings to one another. They feed us, they provide the energy for us to create. We must strive to strike a balance between consuming and creating— Let this beautiful cycle continue. This is the beautiful part of humanity that I don’t think is talked about enough. — Fanchon Octavia 12.29.23
The written word is forever
With ink or keystrokes, our thoughts gain immortality. Whether shared intimately with loved ones or ignited like a slow-burning fire, they endure long after we’re gone. Though many writers crave acknowledgment in the here and now, the legacy of our words often extends beyond our present lifetime.
Written language is an eternal echo. If you’re reading this 70 years from now, Hey you! Did anything I wrote resonate with you? Did it uncover truths or inspire you? Did it shine some light and help you make it through your darkest days?
I’m working through my issues and insecurities. I heal and provide aid to heal others. I’ve kept a lot of my thoughts and words trapped inside my mind. A self-imposed prison cell is hell. I convinced myself no one would accept me if I let my words ring free. What a limiting belief. Typed or penned. Let the people read our words again. ‘Our’ For I know a higher consciousness flows through me, my talents are not my own.
Selective listening
Without the anchor of video or recordings, spoken words often stray. Change and twist, then fade away. I learned this lesson in the first grade. The teacher tested a theory. She taught us how the words we say can get twisted and how rumors get started. She took one student out in the hall and told them something. That student had to take someone else outside the door and tell them what was just said to them. One by one we repeated this. Finally, the last person was told what was said and it was completely different from what our teacher originally said.
Power of the tongue
We were granted the power of the tongue, but often we end up using it wrong Words are tools too. They can also be the most dangerous weapons if not careful. We are given the choice to speak life into one another or destroy each other. Spoken words can be a slippery slope Twisting meanings and losing hope.
Self-Conscious
Speaking can be a bit challenging for me at times because of my accent. I know the words, but I often struggle with pronouncing them correctly, and I’ve noticed that people sometimes find it hard to understand what I’m saying if I am relaxed and don’t concentrate on how I am pronouncing words. This has made me a bit self-conscious about speaking.
Growing up, I faced bullying because of the way I spoke, and as an adult, I found myself code-switching quite a bit to fit into different environments.
It’s not always easy, and it has added an extra layer of complexity to my communication.
I feel the pressure from others to ‘ speak up more’ but I have to do this on my timeline. Not anyone else’s.
Despite these challenges, I’m working on embracing my unique way of speaking and finding confidence in my voice. It’s a journey, but I believe that everyone’s unique voice deserves to be heard, no matter the accent.
My silent genius
I never knew the power of nonverbal communication until I was gifted with a son who communicates primarily through nonverbal means. Facial expressions, grunts, sighs, screams, tears, laughter, typed words, pictures, and an inner knowing of what he needs and wants at the moment. It saddens me when I think of how I’ve never heard him speak a full sentence. Just bits and pieces of his voice. Fragmented. He rarely says mama, but when he does it’s like honey to my ears.
He’s taught me so much. He’s shown me a lot. He has a photogenic memory and can spell words I struggle to spell.
People may judge and think “ Why doesn’t he talk, what is wrong with him”
Why does something have to be ‘wrong’ if you don’t speak? Non-verbal does not mean non-cappable.
It does not mean that you aren’t smart.
With continued help, love, and support my Gianni will continue to learn and grow. The time may or may not come when he is ready to release his words verbally from his mind. Until then I call him my silent genius.
Writing reveals a lot about yourself
I never knew how cathartic writing could be until I did it consistently Now I see why I was being led to write all along. At first, I just wrote down what I was thinking and feeling. It felt good like my emotions found comfort in the words on the paper or my computer screen. The more I wrote, the more I learned about myself — what scares me, what I dream about, and all the complicated thoughts in my head.
Through the written word, I found a sanctuary, a place where my thoughts could dance freely without judgment. It became a mirror reflecting my innermost self, helping me untangle the threads of confusion and find clarity in the chaos. Writing became more than just a skill; it transformed into a trusted confidant, patiently listening to my unspoken words and offering a canvas for my unexplored ideas.
Who am I? The question we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives. Write and find out Writing is the path to self-awareness and healing. Each sentence is a step forward; each paragraph is a revelation The answers we seek are hidden within the stories we tell ourselves.
These are my offerings for the day. My thoughts flowing freely.
Let’s start a conversation
How do you feel about the power of written expression compared to verbal communication?
Have you ever found that writing things down helps you communicate better or understand your thoughts more clearly?
On the other hand, do you prefer expressing yourself verbally?
What role does spoken language play in your daily life? I’m curious to know your thoughts on the written and spoken word.
Your support has been an incredible source of inspiration on my creative journey. If you’ve enjoyed the content and would like to contribute further, I’ve set up a Ko-fi page at https://ko-fi.com/octaviaeverafter. Your generosity fuels the creative process, helping bring more stories and insights to life. Every coffee you buy is a gesture of encouragement that means the world to me. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and for considering an extra boost to keep the creativity flowing.
Xoxo, Fanchon Octavia
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