The Power in Words!

An update…

I’m sure you’ll get tired of these updates, but since Nigel is a large part of my life and blog, I’m going to keep you posted! He has weaned off of the pain meds which has led to a bit of an increase in pain. You would not believe the bruising. They told us it could go all the way down to his ankle over the course of a week or two. It’s now been over a week, and the colors on his leg are something else! He’s walking with more confidence, but he’s also still got the bum left hip. So, he tends to drag that left foot. The P/T told him to try hard to walk heel/toe with it as much as possible. He (the P/T) was also impressed with how well Nigel’s doing one week post-surgery.

Power in words…

My mom and I had a complicated relationship. I have always thought it was because we were cut from the same cloth. She was a Taurus while I am a Libra. After googling it, we should have had quite a compatible relationship. We did not. If she said something was white, I said it was black. I cannot tell you how many yardsticks were broken on my behind! And, honestly, I deserved those attention getters! I was a terrible child and would probably have been on Ritalin in another time. My mom always told me I was hateful. She also would say, “If looks could kill…” It’s funny how I’d forgotten those two things until recently. And, yet, when she passed, there were so many things I knew about her that my sisters didn’t know. I knew the song she had always wanted played at her funeral. I also knew she carried a $5 bill in her wallet. It was from my dad’s wallet. We buried her with it. My oldest sister said we might have fought like cats and dogs, but our relationship was deep. I think that sums it up quite well.

More power in words…

I’ve mentioned this on several occasions, but one thing that will always stay with me are the words I overheard my aunt saying at my dad’s funeral. She whispered (none too softly) to someone else to “Look at the size of Marsha’s thighs.” Now, I knew I wasn’t skinny, but I also wasn’t chubby. I was what many called “solid.” I remember being weighed in fourth grade, and my teacher (who was one of my all-time favorites) telling me I must have been solid to weigh that much. I always hated when we weighed and measured students when I was teaching. I’m honestly not sure why that occurred. So, I was hateful, had killer eyes and large thighs, and was solid. Those words stuck with me over the years.

Sleeping on the job again!

More…

While I did forget the hateful comments, I think they’ve been there all along. I’ve struggled with body dysmorphia for years as well as just plain not liking myself. I think that’s why I go out of my way to be happy and present a joyful exterior. It’s probably a case of “fake it til you make it.” And, I think I’ve made it. I honestly see myself as joyful and loving most days. Those words, “you’re hateful,” were a mantra in my youth, but I’ve flipped the script. I’ll admit the divisiveness in the US as well as Covid have both left negative effects on me. I have to work harder some days to be joyful than others. But, I will say the comments about my weight weighed heavier (pardon the pun) on me than those about being hateful.

What about me…

So, here’s the thing. I know I’ve said things to people in my life that have resonated with them. I may have tossed off a remark lightly and never realized the impact it had on that person. I have discovered words I said years and years ago still hurt even though I am quite sure I didn’t mean them in the way they were taken. Now, I seem to overthink what I say. Am I becoming a more enlightened person, or is it the times we live in? I really don’t know. What I do know is that I never (well, almost never) want to say anything that will hurt someone. That’s not the way I live my life.

A little more…

It is funny how overheard snippets of conversation can color one’s entire life. My dad died 50 years ago, and I can still see the dress I was wearing and where I was standing when I overheard my aunt. I think it may be why you rarely see my in short dresses on the blog. And, it will be a bit before you see me in shorts here, too! If I could change one thing about my body, I do think it would be my legs. There are a couple of reasons for that. One is, as you can see, the emotional baggage attached to them. The other is buying pants and jeans is just downright difficult! The wide leg trend is so good for those of us with thick thighs, but they can tend to overwhelm those of us who are vertically challenged. On the other hand, these legs of mine have walked down the aisle to marry my Nigel, chased toddlers all over, walked along the pool edge encouraging swimmers, and walked thousands and thousands of miles to see this beautiful world. So, I am grateful (especially considering what Nigel is going through) for these legs.

The dress…

When this Cumulus Dress was launched by Gudrun Sjödén, I knew I would order it. My only conundrum was which color. As you can see, I settled on the white version. It’s on super duper sale right now, and if the forget-me-not color was available, I would be so tempted to buy it! It is a beautiful organic cotton dress with pockets and a whimsical print. The skirt is fully lined for those days when you don’t want to wear a slip. But, of course, I added this grey slip which is currently sold out (in that color). I wish I could be more patient about waiting for things to go on sale. It seems like what appeals to me, also appeals to everyone else! If you’re curious about this brand, I would encourage you to check out the “Bargain Box.” You can get some real deals there. And, use the size charts. The items do run generously but not necessarily at fit points.

The Lewk!

I have a thing for wedges as well as L’Artiste! These Delight Slide sandals are one of my favorites lately. I frequently have problems with sandals that don’t have that back strap, but wedges work because my foot is jammed right down into the sandal! The jewelry is all old. The two “diamond” bracelets are from Premier Designs. The earrings and shiny necklace are from Banana Republic. The multi strand necklace is from Stella & Dot. The single necklace and cuff bracelet are from Kendra Scott.

Wrap it up, Marsha!

This idea of the power in words has been on my mind for a while now. It seems like, as a country and as a society, we have lost the power to really communicate. I don’t know why that is. I also know words have so much power. They can comfort those in pain or in mourning. They can incite feelings of hatred and discord. I wish I had some solid advice to give you other than what my mom always said: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” These days, I take it even farther and think, “If you can’t say something nice, just keep scrolling.” So, can we talk? Are there words you’ve overheard that have left a lasting impact on you? Have you ever been misunderstood? How did you fix that situation? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.

Thank you!

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39 Comments

  1. This was so interesting Marsha and thanks for sharing some of you history with ‘words’. My mother’s favourite saying was the same as yours, ‘if you can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything’ and I wish more people took this advice as it seems to be getting worse with awful comments on Twitter, Facebook and in the media at times, it’s just so unnecessary. I think that’s why blogging is such a good place to be as we only deal with ‘nice’ people (generally speaking).
    Now as to words, I had the opposite comment on my legs when I was about 12/13. I heard my father and aunt talking about my legs as being strong and a good shape. As I was growing fast they hoped I’d continue to be active and to be strong. I was a runner at the time and loved what my legs could do. Although I’m now 63 those words have stayed with (as have yours) and I still love my legs. Yes I have big thighs but they’re strong and capable and allow me to do so much. I may have only heard a part of their conversation back then but I took the bit I liked and have kept it with me all these years. I’m sorry you’ve had such hurtful comments aimed at you but i do like the way you turned it around with all your legs have allowed you to do, especially given all Nigel is going through now. You are a beautiful woman inside and out!!

    • Debbie, you have no idea how much I needed that last sentence. I am honestly in tears at your kindness. This hip replacement has been a journey…from him not being able to get comfortable (he can’t lie either side) to putting on the dreaded support socks. I am worried about leaving him next week as I go to Ireland and Scotland. But, our three kids are all stepping up to take care of him. Our sons will be staying with him at night, and our daughter is taking him to therapy. Who knew it would take a village to raise a 71 year old man? I am so glad your overheard words left you feeling empowered. I had strong, powerful legs and could run and play soccer with the best (well, maybe not the best) of them. But, that comment just deflated me. I have decided to join a gym when I return and can leave Mike (his real name) more comfortably. Poor guy…he’s bored and pretty much confined to the house if no one is here to help him navigate the one step out of the house. Thank you again for your kind words. They truly mean so much to me!

      • Oh Marsha, I’m so pleased with your reply and that my words may have helped soothe you in some small way. Enjoy your trip away, what a shame we won’t be over that way at the same time, and I’m so pleased your kids are stepping up to help out. We leave in about 5 weeks time and I’m starting to get excited. Take care xx

  2. Hi Marsha, thanks so much for sharing your deeper thoughts with us. Isn’t it amazing the power a few words can have over us in many situations. Your situation was probably more common than you realise and it only takes an ‘off the cuff’ remark to affect us throughout out life. Letting go of those limiting beliefs is not easy and most of us have them. Just remember you are beautiful, unique and special and tell yourself that every day – believe it, my friend. xx P.S. Great that Nigel is up and about and I’m sure he will be chasing you around the house before you know it. xx

  3. Marsha, what a powerful post! You are so very right about the power in our words. I would much rather someone punch me than say mean things – I hear the words over and over again. I hope that sharing this is cathartic for you, it takes so much courage and so many of us can relate. I cannot ever imagine you being hateful, you really are so joyful and even your voice is bright and cheery!
    Continued prayers for Nigel and his healing and for YOU too my friend! You are a ray of sunshine!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  4. Oh Marsha, thank you for sharing such a personal and painful story. Amazing how words from so long ago have lasting impressions.

    I have a story of my own …. First day of junior high school. I walked into my homeroom classroom which was about half-full of students already and no teacher in sight. As each new student walked in, the kids already there shouted out “Aahhh” or “Eeeeww” … Unfortunately, I received a loud “Eeeeww.” Completely caught off-guard and humiliated, I remember walking to my seat and sitting there completely deflated. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, that moment changed the trajectory of my life. I passed through my teen years feeling ugly and unattractive. It took me years to build confidence and feel good about myself.

    I appreciate your positivity and grace. Thanks for being a kind and lovely and beautiful person. It’s why I love your blog!!!

    • Thank you so much, Beth! I am sending you a hug, too, from Central Indiana. What an awful moment in life for you! Those are truly life-defining and life-changing moments…not melodramatic at all. We remember the actions and words and build lives around what we think others think of us. It does take years (and sometimes therapy) to overcome those. I’m so glad you were able to come through this horrible situation and feel good about yourself again. It appears many of us have suffered in one way or another. What makes young people do such awful things?

      Thank you so much for your wonderful last words. I am simply gobsmacked by your generosity.

  5. Your message about the power of words, and especially in regard to weight, resonates with me. My dad was a real asshole (my apologies for the cussing, but no other word will do) about my weight. And looking back at my pictures recently, I realize nothing was further from the truth. Now that I have turned into my grandmother (whom I loved dearly, but was rather plump at the age I am now), I am genuinely grieving the lost opportunity to have been pleased with my body when I was younger. But in my mind I was always fat. I kind of want to punch him. (He’s deceased.) And yes, I was “solid” and had big thighs. I get it. I really want us to stop teaching our girls that their bodies should be different than they are.

    I’m glad Nigel is doing well. I know it’s tough.

    • Thanks, Michelle! Every day is a new experience. What is troubling him most, I think, is his inability to just get up and go and do the things he wants to do.

      I’m so sorry you went through this with your dad. That had to hurt as we tend to see our dads in such positive lights. I’m sending you a big hug, my friend. And, you are so right about grieving the body we had when we were younger. I was never skinny, but I was slender. I just didn’t realize it at the time. Then, the yoyo dieting took over! Weight was always an issue at our house. We already ate low carb back before it was a thing! My mom wasn’t really weight-conscious as much as health conscious. And, when she told me I was hateful…most of the times, I deserved it. I knew exactly how to push her buttons. But, my aunt was/is a mean-spirited person.

      It’s funny how we teach girls their bodies should be one way while we teach boys bigger is better, right? I am very careful with what I say to my granddaughters and other young girls so they don’t feel the way I did.

  6. Adults being mean to children…I mean, what the H? I know these comments are often made without much thought, but come, we can do better than this! And to say something mean about a child *at the child’s dad’s funeral* is just beyond the pale. Because you’re so right, Marsha, that these words stick with us and start to define who we think we are. And in moments of vulnerability, all these mean, insulting comments seem to well up again, now matter how long ago they happened. Of course, that meanness starts to define the mean-speaking person well – I mean, your aunt established herself as…well, to use gentler language…a not-at-all kind person with that statement. I can’t speak to your behavior as a kid, but the idea that you were ever “hateful” seems unlikely to be true! It’s certainly not a term that would apply these days! But yeah, I had similar things said to me as a child that as an adult I can see were not at all true but that continued to affect me for a long time afterwards.

    • My aunt, my dad’s youngest sister, was and is a bitter woman. She rarely had anything good to say about anyone. Funny thing…she was married to the sweetest, most gentle man ever. Anyway, I was already aware my thighs were a little on the large side because of the way clothes fit me. But, to hear her whisper it (loudly) just made me more aware. Oh, Sally, I was a horrible kid! I’m not kidding. I would definitely have been on ritalin if my mom had known about it (and probably would have benefitted from it). Not all the blame is on my mom, though. I knew exactly how and when to push her buttons. So, yeah, I was a terrible kid! I think hateful was probably something she’d heard as she grew up so it was part of her vocabulary. I also know she loved me and showed it at various unusual times in ways I knew and understood.

      It has amazed me to read all the comments on this post and discover so many women have experienced much the same thing. I figured most would see it as a whiny post.

      Thanks, Sally, for your very kind words.

  7. When I taught kindergarten, I’d begin each year by telling the story of a “wrinkled heart.” I’d have a paper heart in m hand and as I shared the story of a child during a school day, I’d crumple the heart up just a bit every time the child heard something hurtful. By the end of the story, the heart was a ball! We’d talk about how words – whether intended or not – can impact us. Then I’d ask the kids to tell me some kind ways to treat others and as they shouted out their ideas, I’d open the heart. By the end, the heart was back to the way it was when we started with one exception… it was now wrinkled. I explained that, while our kind words helped, we could never take all the wrinkles out as much as we’d try. Then we hung our wrinkled heart up in the classroom and we’d refer to it often. During Play Time, I’d often hear a student say to another “Don’t wrinkle his/her heart!” and parents told me at conferences they heard the phrase at home, too. It was a powerful lesson then and always… for children and adults! (If you want to read more, I wrote a post about this as one of our first blog posts – https://www.ourgrandlives.com/post/a-wrinkled-heart-teachable-moments-with-our-littles.

    As you shared your words above, Marsha, I was reminded of the times others words have impacted my feelings or choices. Thank you for being so transparent and vulnerable with your words and with all of us and for the teachable moment this post offered!

    • Thank you, Laura, for your kind words. I love that easily teachable moment and the impact you had on so many people. I had a book by Madonna called “Mr. Peabody’s Apples” that had the same basic premise. Instead of a wrinkled heart, he used the idea of a feather pillow. I will definitely read your post about your lesson.

      • I will have to check out that book, too! Thanks for the recommendation, Marsha! That’s one of my favorite things about joining this blogging community… we learn so much from each other! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

  8. Funny but this very thing cropped up in my post for tomorrow where I mentioned a remark a girl made in passing when I was in high school and yep to this day I know where I was standing, what my dress looked like. It’s like every last detail is burned in my brain… I’m sure it didn’t help that I was struggling with an eating disorder at the time and her remark was about my weight. I would be she 100% forgot all about it by the time she went home that day and here I am at least 30 years later and I sure haven’t. And that was just one comment. BUT like you said my body has done wonderful things, powerful things, and I am so thankful it’s still so healthy! You know it’s so funny, I look back at all those childhood/middle school/high school photos and I can’t believe how skinny I was! I’ve also been realizing those comments were often made by bigger and more insecure people who were probably unhappy with their own bodies and really had nothing much to do with me.

    On the lighter side– I love that pretty dress and I am glad to hear that Nigel is doing well. I do hope his pain goes away soon though.

    • Oh, Joanne! I’m sending you a hug from here in Central Indiana! I bet you are right that girl never thought about what she’d said again. I wonder if there is something in our brains that catches the bad and hangs onto it harder than the good stuff. You are probably right about the people making the comment being unhappy themselves. I know that’s true about my aunt. I think my mom was just hurt by my actions and struck out in a way she knew she could.

      Thank you for your kind words. I will pass them on to Mike!

  9. It’s completely understandable to keep us updated on Nigel—he’s such an important part of your life! His progress sounds promising despite the challenges. The journey with pain and recovery is never easy, but it’s great to hear that his physical therapist is impressed with his progress.

    Your reflections on your relationship with your mom are touching and profound. It’s amazing how complex and deep familial bonds can be, even with all their ups and downs. Thank you for sharing such personal insights.

    I’ve just posted a new blog update at http://www.melodyjacob.com and would love for you to check it out. I’d appreciate your thoughts! Thank you!

    • Thank you so much for your kind words, Melody! I have tried to subscribe to your blog, but I am just not successful at it. If you’d like to subscribe me yourself, I’d appreciate it.

      I’m sure the bonds I have with my own kids are fraught with these same complexities. My mom truly loved me, and I need to write a post about that.

      Thank you again!

  10. I hate that when adults say such things when a child can hear it. How heartless is that. I never forget that my mother made my sister and I both a maxi skirt and a rufled top wegen I was about 11. And a neighbour said to me that she fought that I was in my pj s! I never wore that set again. That is so sad! Be proud of your legs Marsha!

    • Thanks, Nancy! I am trying hard to embrace these big old legs, but it’s hard to get pants to fit them. I really hated the skinny jeans trend because they are not made for legs like mine! Oh, words like those really hurt, don’t they? I’m sure your outfits were really cute…some people are just plain mean!

  11. This was such a beautiful post. First, it is your blog, share about Nigel as much as you want. I assure you that those of us who read your blog want to hear about his recovery.

    What you said about your relationship with your mother made me teary. I have always had a contentious relationship with my mom; we are so very different. She told me once that I was not the daughter she expected; she wanted a daughter who would want to go shopping with her and to lunch and I wasn’t that kind of person. I don’t like shopping. But like you, it really stuck with me. (She is a Taurus, I am a Scorpio. I don’t know how compatible we are.)

    Anywhoo, I enjoyed this post. I hope Nigel continues to feel better! The actual bringing the leg forward/putting his foot down is one of the main things Wyatt has to work on to walk too. It’s like the number one thing holding him back.

    • Thank you so much, Erin! I am glad to hear you want to hear about Nigel’s recovery. I don’t know when the idea came to me to write about this, but I got started, and it just poured out. My mom and I were very different, too. I think I may have been the daughter your mom wanted! Haha! Mom and I had a very complicated relationship. Even though it got really bad for a few years after Dad died, we definitely grew closer once I had kids. She was a very involved grandma. My kids have so many good memories of her. I think I’m going to have to do a follow up post so people don’t think she was a monster. My aunt, on the other hand, was and still is a bitter woman who thought the world owed her so much more than she had. It’s amazing to read the comments on this post and see how many women have had similar experiences.

      Thank you again, Erin! I read your final comment to Mike so he would know others are going through what he is. I’m trying to get him to see the bigger picture as well as to realize he has it so much better than others…like the Vietnam Vet I saw waiting for a pickup at the hospital. His legs were both amputated above the knee.

    • I agree with Erin. Talk about Nigel all you want. I appreciate the updates on how he is doing.

      I feel awful that you’ve had to live with that for so long but I can think of things that were said to me more than 20 years ago that stuck with me for years and years and years and I know I don’t do certain things because of how I was treated. I know I have lost trust in people and don’t ever fully trust anyone any more — that was killed about 10 years ago with a very brutal betrayal.

      I feel awful I still have such distrust in people.

      My husband has a horrible relationship with his mother – they have not spoken in almost six years and I can say things are a lot better since she moved away from the area.

      • Thank you, Lisa! It helps to talk about him here because the kids have all heard it over and over! Hahaha!! It seems to be a very common thing to happen to women. I’d be interested to see if men carry that same kind of baggage, but since most of my readers are women, I didn’t get any comments from men! It has made me more careful with my words because you just never know when one word can be completely misconstrued.

        I’m so sorry you were hurt so badly. I always told my students trust was an important thing to hold onto because once it was destroyed, it took a very, very long time to rebuild. I’m sending you (and your husband) a virtual hug. I hope I’ve been a good parent to my kids, but I sometimes think I’ve not been. It’s difficult, right?

  12. We all have a few audio files tucked away in our memories. Some sweet and others, a tad bit sour or down right awful. I was repeatedly told (reminded?) that “you can’t make a silk purse out of a how’s ear.” It took another 50 years to not care and enjoy what and who I am. And like others, I have gone on to accomplish great things and birth babies that turned out to be great people. And it also appears, I am in great company!

    • Audio files…that’s a wonderful way to put it. I am so sorry you heard that over and over. One has to wonder what the purpose even was. Even though it took you 50 years to “not care,” I’m so glad you were able to do that. I think, judging from comments, there are so many more of us who have suffered the anguish of these “audio files.” And, we have definitely accomplished fantastic things through our posts, our lives, and our children! Yes, you are definitely in great company, Melynda! Thanks so much!

  13. My heart goes out to you because I went through the same thing with my parents. My parents were mean to me. I basically got the message that I was “ugly” at an early age and have always felt that way. I have always felt badly about my body and still do now that I have gained weight at cannot seem to lose it at age 75! When I was skinny at age 12, my mother told me that someday I would have fat arms like my grandmother! Thanks a lot, Mom! You will never fine me in a sleeveless top no matter how hot it is here in Florida! It’s so hard to escape these terrible messages from our youth. I think you should wear whatever you want to wear and what makes you feel good! I only wish you the very best always!

    • Oh, Linda! I am sending you hugs from Central Indiana. I wonder if our parents knew the damage they were inflicting. I tried so hard not to say things like that to my kids. It’s funny that my little sister would tease my mom about her “swingsets,” but that never bothered me. I know my upper arms are not toned and have a bit of cellulite. But, I am determined to go sleeveless because I just get too hot! It’s amazing how those words can change the trajectory of our lives, isn’t it? Again, hugs from me to you, Linda!

  14. What has happened to Nigel? I must have missed some of your blog. I hope he gets better soon.

    • Thanks, Linda. Nigel has been having some problems with his legs and hips. Then, we discovered he had AVN which avascular necrosis. That meant the heads of his femurs were basically dead. He’s had his right hip replaced and will have the left replaced a little later this year.

  15. Your post has reminded me about the power of words. I am working on controlling my tongue. I am so sorry that you had to hear that and how it affected you. You are so beautiful Marsha – inside and out. I adore this dress! Thanks for sharing your journey and I will keep praying for quick healing for Nigel.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    • Thank you so much, Kathrine! I appreciate your kind words. I had been thinking about this for a bit and thought I’d write a post about it. It’s been so strange to see how many people feel the same thing. I have been guilty of unkind words at times, I know it. But, it’s hard to know which words hurt and which don’t. I’m trying to be better, too.

  16. Sending positive thoughts for Nigel and his continued healing. Words are so powerful and I can relate so much with this post. I remember mean things that were said to me years and years ago like it was yesterday. You are always so cheerful, and I can’t imagine you ever being hateful! I do think communication has really gone downhill since COVID. I’m not sure why – I think everyone is just more relaxed about everything now, including what they say.

    Jill – Doused in Pink

    • Thank you, Jill! We will take all the positive thoughts! So many people have responded like you have. It seems we all have these memories of hurtful words. My mom and I truly were cut from the same cloth, and I probably appeared quite hateful to her. I am so glad you feel I am cheerful as I try to be as much as possible. You may be right about how relaxed everyone is. I also think keyboard warriors seep into the real world at times.

  17. Words really do have so much power. I can remember things being said to me that I regularly have in my mind. I’m so sorry those negative things stayed with you! What a weight to have on your shoulders as a young girl! I have enough body issues, I’m glad the comments said to me were just about my singing voice!

    • Isn’t it something that we, who have and continue to deal in words, still are influenced by words said to us years ago? It’s something I need to remember all the time because I know I’ve been guilty of using the wrong words but not for the wrong reasons.

      Thanks, Laura!

  18. Sounds like Nigel is a trooper, so good that he’s doing well post surgery, and hope he continues to heal nicely. So lovely that you were able to remember the song your mom wanted to have played at her funeral and that she kept a five dollar bill from your father in her wallet that was special to her and you were able to bury with her. So sorry you lost your parents, however it’s so clear that they raised an amazing woman! I love your dress and shoes, the details on the shoes are everything! You look amazing! I hope you have an awesome rest of the summer beauty!

    xoxo, MidoriLinea

    https://www.midorilinea.com/blogs/midori-linea/panda-village-koala-world

    • Thank you so very much, MidoriLinea! I’m glad you saw what many didn’t. My mom was an amazing woman, and I’ll be writing another post about her soon. I so appreciate the compliments!