The Power of Words; What it Means to Be "Woke"

In my email newsletter that I sent yesterday, I started with a sentence that discusses that it’s a fantastic time to be alive. I also added the Journey song, Don’t Stop Believin’ which I always love as a pick me up.

I really do believe that it's a fantastic time to be alive. To watch the world unfold in such a way is truly enlightening. This is the first year in my 42 years of living on this planet that I paid attention to global issues.

As a communication and marketing consultant I am watching headlines and words flash by my screen on a daily basis. I don’t own a TV and haven’t in 21+ years and I’m certainly glad I don’t because of this. <--------- (click)

The importance of awareness and the practice of paying attention to words that you’re hearing and listening to on a daily basis is imperial to value systems and beliefs. I'm watching some not-so-greatness these days and although I teach communication, yoga and meditation, I do get bothered sometimes by what I'm seeing because it's rather sad, but exciting at the same time because on the opposite end to such disaster, there is a large amount of people who are waking up to truth.

I couldn't help but think about the word “woke” as I lay in bed last night. Rather funny right, I'm trying to sleep, yet my nerdy brain is questioning how and why "I'm woke" and the gratitude I felt for the people who are "woke" with me.

As I laid there, I pondered about how many people are aware of what it means to be woke and as I dabble further and further into vaccination documentaries and cringeworthy information in my research on global issues, I am starting to watch a sea of folks stand for their truth and authenticity and it’s rather breathtaking. The woke are rising.

For instance, I saw this video and it warmed my heart that this man stood for his beliefs. I also listened to the spiritual and business leader, Tony Robbins yesterday share a video about Covid realities to his audience and it came to my attention that he is woke too. I felt proud for this uprising of educated people who see through "this".

This piece is crafted in communication habits of ours which include listening, speaking and the power of the transformation of information and disinformation and how we consume it. The power of words can either be daggers or flowers. The way we speak, what we share, what headlines we use and what information is shared; all of it matters to the greater good of humanity, or the fall of everything, which there seems to be a lot of falling lately, including the loss of rights because of what people believe in. It's all very sad to me.

I've never paid much attention to global issues in my life, but I feel aware of what's happening.

Being woke can be described as simply finding awareness of social issues. It can easily become a part of a daily human activity and a positive step towards understanding life and what’s happening in this world.

For years, I have relied on information other than a TV feeding me information; and I have a group of friends with whom I share dedicated documentaries, videos, articles and stats with behind the scenes. We all stick together to enlighten one another, not pushing our theories but being woke together. I'm very grateful for this group.

I always tell people that we can’t push our agenda onto someone else. We simply can’t. They have to wake up to what’s going on when it's time for them and the best way to do that is through their own education.

For example, when I was in my late 20’s I learned about processed foods and realized that what I had been consuming for my entire life wasn't good for my body anymore. I had no idea about their detriment to my body until I started researching and watching documentaries. I was warned about certain labels and certain pills, to the labeling on fruits at the grocery store and now, 20 years later, I stand valiant and knowledgable, healthier and stronger for my choices.

During that time when I was waking up to the difference between organic foods and box/processed foods, I tried to tell friends about what I knew but many didn’t “get it”. I shared information with them about what I watched and researched but I realized that no matter how many times I told people about the benefits of what I learned, people must educate themselves. Belief is powerful and it doesn't come from pushing, it comes from education. We can't change the way people think. They have to learn it on their own.

The thing is this: comfort is a conundrum. Believing hype is rather comfortable. Turn on the TV and boom. Here ya go. Consume.

I saw countless mainstream media headlines with videos, shared this past year, and when I clicked on the videos, they showed nothing like the headline at all. Not one bit. But yet people shared and commented on it, yet none of it meant anything. It was all misinterpreted information.

So what does all this mean? Communication is an entrance or a barrier.

Words matter. As I said, they can be daggers or flowers and while we can't push our agenda onto others, it seems as though there are media giants actually hurting people because of their thoughts. It's the wild wild west out there.

What I do recommend, for humanity's sake, is to be woke- whatever that means to you, please speak your truth, even if it means that others won't "get you". And like that law professor in the link above, if you caught it, it's a matter of principles and value.

I'm simply a communication activist that is paying attention. I am in awe of kind communication, compassionate leadership and sharing ideas with people who are willing to hear them. I open hearts and minds as a coach and I help clients with mindfulness as a yoga and meditation teacher and if anything, I am doing my part as a human being to be alert and aware and I'm proud of that.

Words matter. They matter a great deal... Please pay attention.

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Elizabeth Barry is a proud leader in the field of communication and works with business owners to launch and grow their brands. She also works with professionals who desire coaching to accelerate their success, make better choices, create balance and who want more out of life. 

She has over 20 years of experience advising, coaching and speaking within B2B, B2C, entrepreneurial, small business and executive environments. She's a nationally recognized speaker and has recently published her fifth book based on personal and professional development. As a result of her work, clients, audiences and fans are motivated, productive, less stressed, and are happier because of it. 

Her mission is to help people fulfill their potential. She looks forward to working with you.

Elizabeth Barry is a beautiful vessel of emotionally powerful love that will transform your business, career, & communication style with positivity and inspiration. www.TheKindCommunicator.com