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Newsletter Volume 7 - December 19, 2001
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The Words Can Heal luncheon at the National Press Club (Washington D.C.) on December 10 was a huge success. Two hundred and fifty members heard Goldie Hawn speak on: "Let's Work Together to Create a Better Normal." Ms. Hawn’s speech, which explained the goals and activities of Words Can Heal, was carried live on C-span and National Public Radio. The Associated Press, USA Today, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and People Magazine are a few of the major media outlets which are featuring the WCH campaign this week.
As Ms. Hawn so eloquently stated, "Words matter. They can tear us down or terrorize us. Words can create fear and anger, or they can build, enrich, and nurture us."
All of us at Words Can Heal wish you a season of good will expressed through good words.
Irwin Katsof
Executive Director, Words Can Heal
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Quote of the Week
"Just as drinking and driving are a deadly combination, so are get-togethers and gossip."
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Suggested Action Steps from Goldie Hawn
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- "Ask everyone you're with to share one dream that he or she hopes to achieve. Sharing dreams with people you care about is one of the best ways to bring people closer together. Don't be embarrassed. You might feel vulnerable sharing your secret dreams, but I promise it will bring you closer to one another."
- "Every New Year's Eve, every member of our family shares our hopes and dreams for the future. It’s a close and intimate time."
- "Everyone has an idea that will make the world - or one’s family - better. Share your ideas with each other. Have family meetings. They work."
- "Finally, have each person present read the Words Can Heal pledge. Ask them to talk about what the pledge means to them. No matter how old fashioned it may seem to you, do it. At the least, you will share some quality time together."
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Tips for the Holiday Season At Home & At Work
The holiday season is a time for get-togethers, family dinners, and office parties. Ironically, while the purpose of coming together is to connect with other people, conversations often degenerate into gossip, which does just the opposite - it drives people apart. Gossip distances the person gossiping not only from the person spoken about, but also from the listeners, who realize that they cannot trust the gossip monger when their backs are turned.
The secret of avoiding gossip is not to think badly of other people. What you think and feel inevitably comes out in your speech. This holiday season, let’s make "good will towards men" more than just a motto over the mantelpiece. "Good will" means willing - in your mind and heart - for it to be good for another person, and translating that good will into words that heal.
Here are some examples of how to do it:
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Bad Will | Good Will |
"What? Steven left already? He’s become such a snob since he got rich. He thinks he’s too good to have dinner with his lowly relatives."
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"Steven left already? I’m disappointed. I was looking forward to talking with him. He’s always so perceptive about what’s going on in the world. That’s probably why he’s so successful. I hope he continues to succeed." |
"Where’s Gwen?"
"She’s not coming. At the last minute she decided to go to the Caribbean with her new boyfriend."
"How pathetic. If she weren’t so desperate to get married, she wouldn’t give every new flame priority over her family.And in the end he’ll probably dump her like the last one did." |
"Where’s Gwen?"
"She’s not coming. At the last minute she decided to go to the Caribbean with her new boyfriend."
"Well, I would have really enjoyed seeing her, but I understand how much she wants to get married. I hope this one works out." |
"Did you see the boss in that bright red jacket?"
"He looks like a total idiot. He must think he’s twenty and thin again. How are we supposed to respect a guy who acts like such a buffoon after a couple of drinks?" |
"Did you see the boss in that bright red jacket?"
"He certainly stands out. I’m touched that he wants everybody to have a good time so much that he’s setting aside his ‘dignified, distant boss’ persona." |
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"Take a look at Fred over there with his new wife! Where did he dredge her up? I can’t believe she would wear something like that to an office party." |
"There’s Fred with his new wife. Let’s go over and introduce ourselves. She must be feeling so awkward with all these strangers." |
More Tips for At Work
More Tips for At Home
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Send Us Your Stories
Please send us your stories of your own successes using words to heal to story@wordscanheal.org
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