Words Got Me Through

2021 hasn’t been short of its challenges, this is a piece I wrote for Perspective: The Blog to summarise my reflections for the year as it came to an end.

I believe in the power of words and their ability to bring calm to chaos.

This year hasn’t been easy. I thought about the moments that brought a smile to my face and the times where I felt at peace, hidden away from the constant bombardment of negative news or even just safe to have a big cry and feel all the feels. The one thing that these moments all had in common were words.

Song lyrics that transported me to another time and place. Lost in fiction that played with and expanded the power of my imagination. Uncovering new layers, learning how to cope and getting to know myself through journaling and writing. Shared words of comfort with my barista. Quotes sent to a friend to brighten their day and words of reassurance, love and support sent across oceans between family and friends. These are the things that I will remember, from 2021.

In a year where hugs and hand holding have been few and far between, words have been one of few tools to show love. After all, words are what make us human. They are what connects us to each other. This year words gave me the resilience to keep going and tackle every change and challenge as it arose.

Read the full article here

Laura Kelly