Words Matter: a short essay

The guy you see in this photo happens to be a friend for a long time, and each time we meet we exchange great ideas in New York – we happen to be both from Ghana in what is called “Zongo community” — a predominantly Hausa speaking/Muslim area that has been given thag nickname. He is like a brother with so much happiness and humility on his face each time we meet.
I can’t count the number of cool people I have met in my 15 years of living in NYC. I’ve seen countless good people (and few bad ones), which simply means that most people in this great city are generally good, generally wise, and just go about their daily life activities with positive attitude and outlook. This what I see everyday I walk the streets and ride the NYC-subway trains and buses.
Long before coming to America, I’ve had many friends from different racial and ethnic mix, something that I’m always proud of because it is within our nucleus and extended family back in West Africa all the way to America – to embrace a stranger is nothing new to my brothers and sister. We tend to respect and love all in equal measures.
No matter how rich or poor you’re, you must try to do the things that money cannot buy. I call these things: the true magnets of greatness and blessing.
Consider these words/terms before you close this page:
Love.Compassion.Appreciation.Courtesy.Listening.Empathy.Generosity.Diversity.Peace.
Simple words, powerful meanings. Money cannot buy. Now repeat them over and over.
Rhyme them when you’re in the train, on the bus, at home, at work, in far away places on every continent. Live by them when you make good-connections with your old friend, your new friend, your wife/husband, your next door room mate, ehh, even a perceived enemy of peace who may or may not know the power of good words. If you remember these words, and keep them as guiding stones in the complex game of life filled with amazing human connection – online and offline – you will live what I call the Good Words — and words really matter. You will be amazed how happy you will be – whether you have money or not, sick or healthy, depressed or happy. It’s all in the words, and good words matter in every communication channel — veral and written.
To my Ghanaian zongo friend in NYC, each time we meet, I’m reminder of the power of words and positivity. And indeed anyone who truly live by the “good word” and keep them as mental-nodes is doing himself/herself a good favor: buying what money cannot buy. Open your eyes, mind, and live by the good words. Write them down. Remember them often. And live, to let other’s live by your good words, not the bad words.
If bad words are not written, they cannot be said; if bad words are not said, they cannot be remembered; and if anything bad cannot be remembered, you get the big picture here.
Don’t fall victim to those who spoil your day with bad words; master the art and skill of writing, listening, and appreciating the power of good words and be with those use good words that inspire positive action.
Write, Listen, Live and dream the good words.
