I found a quote the other day that talked about the power of words. I’m not sure people truly realize the strength of our words.
They can be used to heal or hurt, bring pain or joy. Because of that, we should be conscious of what we say and how we say it every day. Keep in mind, that also includes technology. Written words have power, too, as I have discovered by writing this column every week.
So words in a texts or an email or on a Facebook post can be just as influential as the spoken word.
I think it has to do with vibrational frequency. Everything holds some kind of vibration. Even what we think of as inanimate objects are vibrating at an incredibly low frequency. It has to do with electrons in the atom and how they move.
Not only do things vibrate, but so do words. That’s why they are so powerful.
Have you ever just known that someone is lying to you? You can’t fully explain why, it’s just a gut instinct? That’s because lies vibrate at a different frequency than the truth.
See what I mean about the power of our words?
And they can be incredibly powerful when it comes to animals.
I know there are a lot of people out there who want very much to help one of our animals. Believe me when I tell you, I understand this sentiment so well. With six cats in my house, there’s no way I can take another one (no matter how many people tell me 7 is a lucky number – sigh).
However, I find an animal here practically on a daily basis whom I would LOVE to take home and have as mine.
We have so many felines who are absolute lovers and super sweet – and the kittens! Oh, don’t get me started on how adorable our kittens are. They purr and curl up in anyone’s lap. I would love nothing more than to snuggle with them for the rest of my life, but I know I can’t.
If you are like me in that you are at your limit with pets, I first have to say thank you for recognizing that. I talk to a lot of people who feel very bad when they admit to me that they can’t adopt, but it takes a very responsible person to recognize when to say no.
I think part of being a true animal-lover is understanding you can’t take every animal into your home you see.
But, you can still help homeless pets by talking about them.
If you see an animal in the paper or online or even at the shelter during a visit who tugs at your heartstrings, make sure to talk him up. Let people know about the sweethearts we have looking for a home. You never know who might be listening.
Years ago, I remember posting a picture of a bulldog mix we had at the shelter on our Facebook page and a lady drove from Arkansas – no joke! – to get him. He did so well on the trip back home and she loved him. She told us she had never done anything like that before – driving across the country to rescue a dog – but when she saw the post, something just called to her.
She really believed he was meant to be in her life and I agreed so much at the time and continue to do so.
I’m amazed that a simple post on our Facebook page gave one of our babies such a happy ending.
Words are powerful. I think sometimes we don’t really even realize how much.
So, use your words. Compliment other people. Make others feel good. Talk about animals up for adoption, no matter where you find them. Forward a story to a friend about an animal needing a home.
You’d be surprised how much of a difference your words can make in someone’s life – especially the life of a homeless animal.
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Jennifer Vanderau is the Public Relations Coordinator for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and can be reached at [email protected]. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, readers may call the shelter at 717-263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org. CVAS also operates a thrift store in Chambersburg. Readers may help support the animals at the shelter by donating to or shopping at the store.
