Watch Your Words

Recently, I was reminded once again about the power of words. Once spoken aloud, you can try to take them back but it’s nearly impossible (This is particularly true in this age of digital manipulation and sound bites; but I digress).

Written words have impact, too, of course. We all remember compelling quotes and often use them as beacons for our life path. Sometimes we even hang them on our walls as a reminder. Other’s words, spoken or written, have tremendous power. The strange thing is, while we remember words that soothe, nurture and inspire, we often remember more clearly words of criticism and negation, words that hurt or slight us. “Throw shade,” I think, is the popular, current term.

I remember comments made to me decades ago. I remember the way they made me feel. At times, they still hurt. So hear me out. Watch what you say. Watch what you write. Be sure if you choose to speak, that you understand the meaning of your words. Try to be certain you understand the feelings you are trying to convey.

Too often, we forget to be kind. Be kind.

THE FORGETTING TIME- FEBRUARY 2018 BOOK SELECTION

Reincarnation. Real or not? This is the primary question in The Forgetting Time by first-time novelist, Sharon Guskin. Her primary characters are a once renowned psychiatrist facing a grim diagnosis of aphasia and a mother desperate to find answers to help her troubled four-year-old son.

Dr. Jerome Anderson, gave up a promising career and faced professional criticism in order to pursue and study multiple cases of reported reincarnation all over the world. Anderson’s research time is limited as he was recently diagnosed with a debilitating illness which will impede speech and clear thinking. Having also lost his wife and biggest champion, he is close to losing hope. 

The single mother, Jamie, is struggling to find answers for her son. Noah’s pleas to go home, his, among other things, incapacitating fear of water, and vehement desire to see his “real mother,” has consumed every waking moment. Desperately, she searches on her computer for answers, finds Dr. Anderson’s name, and contacts him.

The story follows their journey to find the truth and in the process uncovers a mystery, a disappearance, and a murder. The novel is beautifully written, often poetic. It challenges you to think about where you stand on this topic. Whether you believe in reincarnation or not, it’s a fascinating read. Interestingly, true-life cases are cited in the novel and taken from Life Before Life: Children’s Memories of Previous Lives by Jim Tucker.

Recommend.