The Power of Our Words: Be the Light

One of the things I’ve learned—living paralyzed on one side after a random brain injury—is this: you don’t need everything working perfectly to make a difference. I may only move half my body, but my words still work. And wow, do they carry power.

Here’s the crazy part: it usually takes less effort than brushing your teeth. Two seconds. A handful of syllables. And yet, the ripple can be enormous.

We’ve all heard, “Watch your mouth—your words can hurt.” And it’s true. Words can wound. They can divide. They can crush. But here’s the flip side we don’t hear enough: words can also heal, lift, and brighten. They carry light.

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Compliments Are Free Light

If you think something good, say it. Don’t keep it in. If you like someone’s shoes, don’t just tell your buddy—tell them. If you notice someone’s hair, smile, or style, politely say, “Hey, can I tell you something?” Then deliver the light: “That smile is fantastic.”

People shine when they hear it. It’s like flipping a light switch in a dark room. And the cost? Absolutely nothing.

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Old McDonald’s light

Here’s one of my go-to examples. Sometimes I eat in at McDonald’s. (And yes, I realize it’s one of the few restaurants that actually serves a “number two.” Why I go there is another story—but not the point.)

When I’m done eating, I try to remember to walk back up to the counter and say, “Hey, thanks a lot, guys.” That’s it. Two seconds of my life.

And every time, I’m stunned. The employees light up. Faces brighten. It’s like I just handed them a raise or a free trip to Disney.

Think about that: a two-second thank you has that much impact. That’s power you could even say is… I don’t know? super-sized.

But here’s what gets me. It’s kind of sad that encouragement is so rare that a tiny act feels like a huge deal. And yet—that sadness is actually an opportunity.

The obstacle is the lack of light. The opportunity is that even the smallest light now shines brighter than ever.

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The Ripple Effect of Light

The thing about light is, it spreads.

A thank you at McDonald’s might ripple through a worker’s home that night. A compliment on someone’s smile might ripple into their workplace. A kind word can pass from person to person like a spark, lighting candles you’ll never see.

That’s how powerful your words are. That’s how powerful you are.

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Your Challenge: Do It Today

So here’s my challenge. Not someday. Not “when you remember.” Today.

In the next couple of hours, find a stranger with something you notice—a smile, their hair, a cool car, a fun hat. Then suck it up, be polite, and deliver the light.

Do it. Do it today. And watch what happens when they shine.

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Because words matter.

Because light spreads.

Because obstacles ARE opportunities.

And because—

You have the power to be the light today. So go shine—and don’t be afraid to super-size it.