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Words

jennifer · October 27, 2014 · 13 Comments

As a writer, I constantly have words floating in my brain. Words pinging the inside of my head, looking for the right way to get out. Sometimes they are lost or come out in ways unexpected, good and bad. Other times they flow out in a beautiful fashion. Those are the best times. Every now and then I might regret words, but that doesn’t happen often. I’m pretty deliberate with my words, often thinking far too much about what they mean and going back to explain them if they are misunderstood.
10553356_10152531841913558_4920417115845206146_nI was at a loss for words at the AYA Summit last week. By the end of the day on Thursday, there were tears, heart palpitations, and feelings of shock, happiness and empowerment all rolled into one. The bloggers in the room looked at each other and could barely speak. How do you explain the experience of hearing the words that explained exactly how those more than 200 Nigerian girls were kidnapped from their school as told from a brave young woman who escaped within 24 hours of the abduction? How do you share the brilliant and poignant performances of a homeless woman and poet determined to be a role model for young girls and the Hollywood actress staying true to her roots and telling African women stories through her play.
Sometimes there are no words, though I will attempt to recap my experience at the summit soon.
I’ve become more mindful of words over the years. They have so much power. Words. They can hurt you or fill your heart with love. They can comfort, make you laugh or thrust you into action. And then, of course, there are the words we are too afraid to say. I feel bad for those words, stuck in someone’s mind just itching to come out. I’ve got some of those words, but I try not to let them stay in my head for too long.
The best part about being a writer is when you find out that your own words have touched someone else. Knowing our words have meaning keeps us going. And writing more words.
I’ve experienced so many words this year that have given me much to think about, to celebrate and be thankful for. Meaningful words with meaningful people in so many different ways. They set the scene for the storylines of our lives.
And I thank you for reading my words.

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Life, Perspective, Writing Lab Aya Summit, life, meaningful words, writing

Comments

  1. Janine Huldie says

    October 27, 2014 at 6:54 am

    My pleasure reading your words always. And I can honestly say that I, too, try my best to make my words count always, but sometimes the inevitable happens here too and I am left speechless, too. I guess it just happens.

    Reply
  2. Cathy Chester says

    October 27, 2014 at 7:16 am

    And I thank you for the pleasure of reading your words.
    After what you experienced, there probably are no words, no adequate words, to say much else. Because, as they say, actions speak louder than words. As those kidnappings did.
    Unconscionable? Inappropriate? Heartbreaking? These don’t express enough.
    But you expressed yourself just right. And for that I am thankful, Jennifer.

    Reply
  3. Bev says

    October 27, 2014 at 7:58 am

    Words really are incredibly powerful. I am so amazed how you continuously use the power of your words for good, and find the words when they are hard to find. I look forward to reading more about your experience.

    Reply
  4. Chris Carter says

    October 27, 2014 at 10:04 am

    Oh Jennifer!! This is just so beautifully said!!! I cannot imagine what you saw and heard and how powerful the experience was for you and all the other bloggers there receiving such gifts. I know that overwhelming feeling of how to even put into words what is whirling around in your heart!
    I can’t wait for you to do just that though. You ALWAYS seem to find a way… deliberately and intentionally. That is your gift.

    Reply
  5. Tamara says

    October 27, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    I remember as a kid, I’d say, “sticks and bones will break your bones, but words will break your heart.”
    They can also lift it up too.
    What an experience you just went through!

    Reply
  6. AwesomelyOZ says

    October 27, 2014 at 5:55 pm

    This is true, alllll true – You really do have homework every night, my brain never stops – it has words every minute.. I can’t write them all, I can’t remember them all, and worse of all is sometimes I can’t understand them all. It’s worse when you’re expected to explain something and you’re at a loss for words, ironic but happens to me all the time. That Nigerian situation – ugh that still irks me – even worse because WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM?! Now they’re in the background of a flood of evil around the world, to the riots in China, to the Ebola epidemic.. Too many things and I don’t feel there are enough words; the right words. Have a great one Jennifer! -Iva

    Reply
  7. Ashlee says

    November 4, 2014 at 11:06 am

    Wow. I definitely can’t wait to hear about this!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      November 4, 2014 at 12:10 pm

      I actually wrote about my reflections on the summit today, Ashlee! Here’s my post on World Moms Blog: http://www.worldmomsblog.com/2014/11/04/reflecting-ayasummit/ 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Wordless Wednesday: #AYASummit Pictorial says:
    October 29, 2014 at 5:26 am

    […] It was an amazing gathering of bloggers and panelists, and I am still struggling to find the right words to describe the experience. There will be a post soon though. I promise. For now, I invite you to […]

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  2. #AYASummit with ONE Girls & Women | My Favorite Soundbites | Do a Little Good says:
    October 30, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    […] Jennifer Lacovelli – http://anotherjennifer.com/words/ […]

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  3. Reflecting on the #AYASummitWorld Moms Blog says:
    November 4, 2014 at 5:14 am

    […] feel a flood of emotion each time I think about the experience. As I wrote on my blog last week, the words to explain such a powerful and inspiring event are hard to come […]

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    November 11, 2014 at 5:34 am

    […] The words. They will come. They always do. […]

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    May 3, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    […] is good right now. Really good. I’ll find the words at some point. There’s just so […]

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