Words Can Never Be Unsaid

As a writer, I understand the power of words that are put down on paper or on one's favorite word processing software. Words have the power to generate powerful emotions that can make one afraid, sad, happy, elated or any number of other emotions. Words are conduits to power. Ask any politician's speech writer and they will tell you. A well-chosen word is more important than any campaign contribution. An ill-chosen word could end a campaign. It could start a war. Someone might even die.

As a writer, I also know that an ill-chosen word can be edited right out, after long thought. I can choose not to say something the way I had originally said it. Just hit the delete button....and..gone.

...but it just doesn't work that way with the spoken word. Once you've said something, it can never be unsaid. Once a person has said, "I love you" it can never be unsaid. That's great! It feels good to be loved. But more often than not-and I count myself in this-we use our mouths to spew so much vitriol, it is difficult to understand. Don't we know that words, once spoken, can never be unspoken? The best we can do is to mitigate the damage created and hope that everyone involved can move forward.

I know that everyone wants to have  their opinion and to say what is on their mind, but seriously, at what expense? Is it more important that someone knows that you hate them or that you have a clean conscience? Is it better to have a good laugh at someone's expense or is more important to feel good about yourself?

Words can never be unsaid...