MM#14:

Some Words Are Gold, Others…

“The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” -Linus Pauling, chemist, peace activist, author, educator; Nobel Prize in chemistry

For to be honest most ideas are likely dirt, and only a few will be gems. The more ideas you have, the greater will be your chance of striking gold.

Do you ever hear a particular speech, read a passage in a book, or get an inspired idea and it just excites you with meaning and truth?

Perhaps it’s no more than a phrase or short statement that calls to you as if some unknown force is behind it.

People love quotes. There can be a powerful energy behind words and phrases that takes on life of its own. Words can uplift and inspire and push us forward beyond measure. Sometimes words can be gold.

But there are also countless words and ideas out there that are merely pebbles and rocks. They do not shine, they have little value, and are commonplace. They may stack into piles, but piles may crumble. These words can also hurt if thrown carelessly about.

When we are confronted by any form of spoken or written communication, even our our thoughts, most of the words will be common stones.

Once in a while, however, a golden gem will stand out. It is up to you, the receiver, to distill the difference.

You may extract the gold from the pile and cast the rocks aside. Use your “word sieve” to filter them out.

How To Use Your Own Personal Word Sieve

This I can’t tell you.

Hey, don’t expect me to have all the answers!

The word sieve is a very personal thing. Each of us has our own, because each of us has our own life experience. So we each respond to words, their meanings, and their messages based on our own beliefs and perspectives. Therefore I cannot tell you the specific gems you may extract with your word sieve.

In fact, you do not even have to use it. You can just allow all the words to wash over you and inundate you with confusing messages. You may even feel that you are being stoned by a barrage of rocks and pebbles. So many people do this that truly it’s become the norm.

But perhaps I can hint at how to decipher the dirt from the gold with your word sieve.

The basic premise could be this: when hearing or reading the words of others, ask yourself some questions to “feel” out the meaning for you.

Does the message strike true to you? Does it resonate at a deep level? Does it guide you in a positive direction? Does it inform you about something you have been seeking answers on? Perhaps it even feels so familiar, as if at some level you already knew it but just needed the reminder…

Or do the words feel flimsy, as if they will fall apart from their own lack of meaning? Does the message seem superficial, even fake? Does it make you feel worse, rather than inspired? Does it confuse you more or lead you down wrong paths to dead ends, never answering your more pertinent questions? These are the rocks to throw out.

It doesn’t matter what you do, you will reap your own life lessons from either option. Keep all of the rocks or retain only the gold, it will be your own experience.

You may benefit from realizing that the majority of words and communication are devoid of deeper meaning, have no lasting value, and are mere symbols that can be used, reused, interpreted and reinterpreted an infinite number of times.

Most words, to be honest, are tired. They have baggage. They can BE baggage in your own mind. Words do not teach like feelings and experiences. It’s as they say: a picture is worth a thousand words. For sometimes words cannot describe a thing nearly at all like the thing itself in experience.

Cast aside rocky words that do not proffer the life you wish to create. Find the gold nuggets and hold them close. Sift through the difference and you will master the process. And you will never look at communication the same again. Nor your own thoughts.

Gold is always gold. It’s in the chemical makeup. Truth is always truth. Love is always love.

Find the gold and be blessed.

Thank you for reading. I hope this piece helps you and that you were able to find some gold nuggets of your own here.

What gold did you find in this piece, if any? Please let me know in comments and be kind enough to share the post with friends.

Blessings to you,

Matthew