I have been writing this blog for 2 weeks now and during that time I have shared thousands of words with anyone that has taken the time to read, Reflecting on this has left me thinking about words, especially in this case the written form. Whatever I say here is for you to interpret as I can't give the written form any emotion, I can't guarantee you understand how they were meant when I put them down. Simply I have to believe that you know my meaning or that you can find a meaning that works for you.
How many words are in the English language? How many ways can a single sentence be interpreted? And importantly how many times are what is meant and what is understood the same? I would hazard a guess that the percentage is very low. Words can be a dangerous form of communication in certain circumstances with the absence actions and body language to fully demonstrate how they are meant.
As I was listening to Emiliana Torrini gently caressing me with her own words (I sound like a big girl, I know!) I began to realise how little can be understood through words alone, even in spoken form you can't be sure that there won't be something lost from the moment they leave someone's lips to the moment they are processed by your brain.
I am not the most articulate person when it comes to expressing myself vocally. I often feel that my thoughts are diluted by the time I form a sentence and by the time they are processed by another they will totally evaporate into the ether. My own hesitant nature means I dither and stumble through expression (very much like I am here), never clear in my own mind if I make the correct selections of words to illustrate myself which builds an inward frustration. I'm not an artist so I can't paint the picture that will say a thousand words, I have to cling onto the hope that my actions fill in the gaps, make up for my shortcomings – in short do my speaking for me.
The truth is words confuse and scare me, I know that sounds a little bit daft coming from someone that writes a blog but that is how it is. I have an ability some may say to make something read well, maybe even profound when the truth is I am just efficient at escaping what I really mean. But the other side of that is I wonder how well I understand what others say, I know I have a tendency to hope for meanings that aren't actually present, I am sure most of us have done the same. Every sentence has a gap for thought, a gap for hope and I wonder how many times I over analysis over complicating the simplest situations.
Before you think that I am going into a downward spiral of lack of self confidence and despair that isn't the case at all, the truth is that I realise I am not perfect, I have to work hard to make my true feelings known which is a lesson for us all, no-one is universally understood, we all need to help others and fill in the gaping holes that mere words leave exposed.
Words are only tools of expression, those near and dear can see you and will give you what you need to let all your inner thoughts out.
That's enough from me for tonight.
Enjoy today, look forward to tomorrow.
To quote a man who has undoubtedly a way with words... 'If I've forgotten what to say, it's because all words are dust'
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that words don't mean anything if they aren't supported by actions. And there is nothing more confusing that words contradicting actions.
You won't be remembered for what you say or what you are, but what you do...
anyway, just my 2 cents ;)
Oh bother let me take two at wriring this and hopefully it will get there. This will be no where as good as my first comment but here we go. I have to say that so many words can be taken the wrong way, it is even harder without an expression but for some reason you know if someone is in a huff with you, or you are in trouble etc. Take this word 'I love you' how many times a day is it said to people and how many times is it actually meant? The full feeling behind things is very different sometimes it can be like a routine word, or sentance.
ReplyDeleteYou can paint a picture with your words though I have to say, that so many people including myself have got something or have had something that can relate to it. I am looking forward to reading some more bloggs, so get the kettle on I have the biscuits keep writing.
I find it strange to read this
ReplyDeleteIn such a short time chatting with you, you always seem to have the right words at just the right times and to read that you find you are not...or think you are not, totally understood, makes me think how lucky an aquaitance of yours must be to be able to read what you mean but looking nto your honest eyes.....and right into your heart. That is where the most important words reside........