It’s a simple truth, but it’s often forgotten. Words have power – a superpower even. Their power goes far beyond the naming of things. We can bless and curse anything with a word, and the ramifications of our words go far beyond what we will ever know or understand. In heaven I am certainly going to ask God, “How did my words affect others? I want to hear the good, the bad and ugly. I want to know the truth.”

We can bless and curse anything with a word, and the ramifications of our words go far beyond what we will ever know or understand.

Writing has always helped me express my emotions, without the fear of judgement. It’s been something that I’ve leaned on over the past 15 years while healing from and grieving the loss of my birth daughter. It’s also been helping recently while recovering from sexual assault.

Some things that I’ve written down are hard to even say out loud. Whenever emotions seem to overtake my day or attitude, I lean on the power of words for inspiration (e.g. the Bible, therapists, Instagram), and, more importantly, I lean on writing down my own words as a way to let go of these emotions. Emotions, I know now, may simply be visiting me for that minute or hour of the day. If the words are particularly angry, I’ve even ripped them up and thrown them away symbolizing that I am releasing their power over me.

I lean on writing down my own words as a way to let go of these emotions.

Sometimes emotions are a welcomed visitor, like happiness and joy! But all too often while recovering, sadness, anxiety and anger pay a few visits. In those times, I simply take a minute to understand why they are here and what triggered that emotion. Then, I allow that emotion to take place and tell myself that it won’t be here forever. It’s simply passing through.

I rely on the power that words have to lead to healing and peace.

Recovering from two difficult events has offered me a unique vantage point. These experiences have provided me the opportunity to understand and empathize with others who are also going through, or have experienced life’s challenges. I am mostly grateful that God has allowed me the opportunity to love and empathize with others in a way that not many can. I have learned that life has its ups and downs, but I rely on the power that words have to lead to healing and peace.

About the Author: Chelsey Slack is a birthmother who placed her daughter through New Life Adoptions in 2003. She holds a B/A in Communications and Journalism from the University of St. Thomas. Chelsey is a lifelong writer and reader, with a passion for empowering women at all ages. Today, she can be found running in and around Duluth, Minnesota, playing Barbies with her four-year-old or eating sushi on a date night with her husband. Want to get in touch? You can find her on Twitter.