The Power of Words
As you are aware, our small business is called Kata hampers, “kata” is a Bahasa Indonesia word that literally translates to “word” in English. So, we thought it’s only fair if we write a journal with our brand name as an inspiration.
A short story, we chose Kata as our business name because we would like to appreciate our culture and origin by using its language. Apart from the secondary reason that it is an abbreviation of our names, we picked Kata as we realised how powerful words (kata-kata) can be. We hope that through Kata Hampers, people can express their feeling through words and at the same time, transforming them into actions through gifting.
There is a saying that words can be a blessing, but it can also kill someone. I believe when the writer came up with this phrase, the word ‘kill’ is not necessarily associated only with physical death, but also mentally such as killing someone’s opinion, character, freedom, etc. Hence, it’s crucial to know that what we say could harm others, even though it might not be intentional.
For me as a talkative person, I have to be honest that it is a challenge to always be mindful of what I say. Sometimes words just come out of nowhere before I think it through. It made me question, how can I be more cautious of what I say? Here are some tips that I have for myself that I would like to share.
If what you’re about to say isn’t nice, it’s better to not say it at all
I think we all have heard about this before and it’s a mantra I take with me everywhere. In a nutshell, if what you’re about to say isn’t pleasing, positive, or adding a value to the listener, it’s probably better to not say it. Why? Because it’s either going to waste the other person’s time or hurt them/yourself. I could easily recall some stories where I wish I did not say what I said in the past. Additionally, I could also remember some instances where I could not sleep worrying about what a person said to me.
The key is to think about what you want to say in your head before it comes out of your mouth. Ask yourself: “Is it going to hurt that person?” “Is it ok to say it on that particular circumstances with all the people listening in the same room?”. It does not mean that you should not tell the hard truth or give someone feedback. It’s more about making sure the way you deliver it is right, constructive, and timely.
Appreciate yourself and others through words
It was not until I started working full time a few years ago, I realised how a simple ‘thank you’ from my colleagues can make my day. Saying a genuine word of appreciation like ‘thanks’, ‘great work’, or ‘you look nice today’ to your colleagues / friends / partners is probably the most inexpensive and easiest way to give. You don’t have to spend a penny and it could make that person’s day.
In addition, at the end of my day I often reflect and give myself a ‘good work’ and pat on my own back for things I do well. Believe me, it helps!
Put it into action
I remember one of my favourite songs called ‘More Than Words’ by Westlife and I agree that sometimes it takes more than words to prove the truth behind the meaning someone wants to convey. The last thing someone wants to hear is a bluff, so one of the ways to reinforce your words is to back it up with action.
If you say you want to support your partner, show it. If you promise someone to buy them something, you better get it! Cause words are like a cup, it stays empty unless you fill it it with something and in this case, your action! This point also aligns with our brand message, which is to transform your words into action, and one of them is through gifting.
You hold a power in your mouth through the words you say, it can either bless or kill others. Let’s take simple steps to do our part in creating a more humble relationship by being more thoughtful and genuine with the words we say.
