Skip to main content

On the Other Side of Words

I have been thinking lately about words and how they fit into our world of communication. My 24-year-old son, Sean, tells me I need a college course in texting so he can make sense of what I’m trying to say when I speak with my fingers. On self-examination—and the evidence before me—I have to plead guilty as charged.

I have had numerous people tell me they don’t understand my email. It has been pointed out to me, mostly by my editor, that I have a “Joe Dunne mind speak” when I hastily shoot out emails. Again, guilty.

Words are shared in so many forms these days:  texting, emails, Twitter, Facebook and so much more, but how clear are we? What we say, what we wanted to say and what we actually mean is a complicated maze. We even have interpretive text now. For example, using all caps means “shouting,” which I didn’t know until someone told me. Listening is endlessly complicated. Whatever we hear is interpreted through a personal “tone, age, life experience” filter. The maze of being clear, and choosing the right words when we deliver communications, is a college course for an advanced degree!

The power of words is the point here. We all think we’re being clear, and sometimes we are, but listening often gets blocked because we’re too busy thinking of what we want to say rather than listening with complete attention, clear of our own thoughts. Not an easy task, and again, I must admit guilt.

But here is the life lesson for me—the power of words lies in the fact that they can’t be taken back. That quick blast in anger, frustration or in the heat of the moment cannot be withdrawn. This lesson has stayed with me over my lifetime. The power of our words is immeasurable.

Wars have started over words. Relationships have been destroyed, not necessarily by intention, but by the wrong choice of words. The power of our spoken word also contains a vibration. To a callous person, harsh words may not offend, but to a sensitive or fragile person, they are cutting. And words of hope can literally mean the difference between life or death for someone hanging by a thread in their world.

Choosing our words matters. For me, I will continue to spend a lot of time meditating, thinking and slowing down to make my communication a little bit clearer and take into account the person on the other side of my words.

In peace, love and laughter,

Joe Dunne, Publisher

publisher's letter

 

 

Upcoming Events Near You
The Tick Tackler Tutor: Three Impactful Tick Remediation Strategies for the Homeowner

By Jennifer Meisenbacher

Did you know most tick bites occur in and around the home—and that ticks spend more than 95% of their life off a host?

With more than 19 years of field experience, Tick Tackler offers a practical, easy-to-follow approach that empowers homeowners to significantly reduce tick activity on their properties. From gardening and yard work to children’s play areas, this guide outlines essential adjustments to help protect your outdoor spaces from ticks.

The Tick Tackler Tutor introduces three impactful strategies designed to identify high-risk areas and minimize exposure. These methods are versatile and adaptable—whether you’re a homeowner, pet owner, beekeeper, or managing a larger property such as a doggy daycare or horse farm.

Inside, readers will discover how education leads to confidence, how small changes can yield visible results, and how breaking tick control into manageable steps restores a sense of control. The book simplifies complex concepts into three core strategies, guiding readers in creating a personalized plan to reduce tick activity effectively.

For those eager to reclaim their yards but unsure where to begin, this guide delivers clear, actionable solutions. Transform your outdoor environment into a safer, more enjoyable space for family, pets, and everyday living.

Available now on Amazon.

Follow Us On Facebook