Adjectives a Dramatic Word

Have you ever stopped to think how powerful words can be to create an impression? We have always heard that our words can build someone up or tear them down just by speaking one word. Our words are very powerful, and in one instance can create a feeling or emotion in the individual even without them understanding the full intent of the meaning behind those words. During your school years you learned the meaning of nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., however, quite possibly the most dramatic one of all would be adjectives. In the Webster dictionary, adjectives are a “word that describes a noun or pronoun. How many times do we use adjectives in our conversations? We don’t just say, the sky was blue, we say, the sky was a beautiful color of blue, or the sky is looking dark. How we use our words places a thought in the individual hearing the words. For example, parents say I am so proud of you, as the hearer you feel accomplished, successful, and encouraged, in the same instance if a parent states, I am so disappointed in you, the hearer might have feelings of shame, regret, and fear. We never quite understand how powerful and impacting the English language can truly be in our everyday lives and interactions between people.

Adjectives have a way of manipulating the mind into creating scenarios that may or may not exist. They add descriptions to our words that causes a negative or positive feeling, based on the words and tone of voice we use. In our everyday speech what we hear interjects thoughts into our minds that form a positive or negative reaction. For instance, our mind is more apt to be bias toward the negative than the positive. The brain reacts more strongly to negative stimuli; thus, our attitudes are more heavily influenced by downbeat news. This attribute to lean more toward the negative was a trait that was created in us to keep us from danger. The brain developed instincts in us to notice danger and hopefully respond to it. This apparatus makes us hypersensitive to negativity that exist in the sphere all around us in our every day of lives.

Why does the “bad stuff” stick? The bad stuff is easier to believe because it is similar to the sensation of pain- it’s our bodies respond to keep us safe. The negative experience travels faster to our brain’s memory center than a positive reaction, which must be held in awareness for a several more seconds before it is stored in our memory. Negative triggers also linger longer than a positive reaction. As humans, because our focus is on the negative, we can easily be manipulated or “brain washed” into reacting to an experience in a negative manner even when no real danger really exists. This negative thinking in turn is created by the power of words that are spoken and actions that surround us every day. Therefore, it is extremely imperative for us to take caution when using those adjectives so loosely and especially when hearing negative content from individuals that do not have a vested interest in our well being.

Moreover, guarding the mind is extremely important in our over all mental well being. What we place our focus on will determine the outcome for our emotions, actions and general health. Negativity is all around us through television and radio announcements, social media, and verbal communication. Media’s primary intent is to bring attention to the negative rather than the positive. Even a simple statement when announcing the weather can be geared toward the negative, such as when the weatherman states, “we are going to have a drastic change in the weather”.

As humans we should always be aware and cautious of the source of information. We should seek wisdom and counsel from a trusted source. Although, changing our mindset can be difficult because it goes against our innate instincts, thinking positive and changing how we use our adjectives can make all the difference in our quality of life, mental health and the world around us.