words, words, words.

From the time I was little, I have always been told that "if I don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all," and the majority of people I know also know this phrase by heart. However, every day this general phrase is broken, even by the people who know how powerful words can be. People throw out new ideas and the idea is immediately shot down because of one flaw that someone did not like. Saying something out of the norm automatically makes you a "weirdo." Liking something that the majority does not will inevitably turn you into an "outcast." Standing up for rights that most of society does not agree with makes you "ignorant." The long-time childhood rule of "don't say anything at all" is broken every single day, and has reached the point where most of us do not even notice how much others are put down. As a result, finding someone who has been told about a different rule is less common.

"Words can break someone into a million pieces, but they can also put them back together. I hope you use yours for good, because the only words you'll regret more than the ones left unsaid are the ones you use to intentionally hurt someone." 

-Taylor Swift

Because of the fear of being put down by everyone else, we have forgotten how important letting our voices be heard is. Not many people have heard this rule, or if they have, the rule has simply been pushed aside. Maybe we have forgotten about the rule of making our voice be heard because we believe that "rules are meant to be broken," which is also why we put others' voices down so much. I have forgotten about this rule myself, and now is always a good time to change that.

No more holding back, no more biting my tongue, and no more fear of being put down or losing my pride. Being fearful of asking for help, apologizing, or expressing emotions is no longer an option. Any time is a perfect time to say "I'm sorry" or "I love you." Any time is a perfect time to stand up for someone that is being put down. Any time is a perfect time to let someone know you care. Most importantly, any time is a perfect time to build someone up with your words. Forget about the people who will put you down for saying something meaningful. Forget about being made fun of or becoming the "laughing stock," because one day we will not be able to say everything we needed to say, and that feeling alone will be more hurtful than any negative comment or action someone can throw at you.

"What you say might be too much for some people. Maybe it will come out all wrong and you'll stutter and walk away embarrassed, wincing as you play it all back in your head. But I think the words you stop yourself from saying are the ones that will haunt you the longest." 

-Taylor Swift