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Writer's pictureJanelle Ryan

The Power of Words: The Unseen Bruises of a “Joke".



Words are among the most potent tools we wield. They can build bridges, inspire greatness, and comfort hearts—or they can cut deeply, leaving unseen scars. Nowhere is this duality more evident than in humour.


Jokes, when shared with warmth and good intention, can bring people together. They offer a lightness that lifts spirits and connects souls. But when a joke carries a hidden message—barbed with meanness, veiled in sarcasm, or laced with projection—it ceases to be funny. Instead, it becomes a wound disguised as wit.


A cutting remark, dressed as humour, is often excused with phrases like, “Don’t take it so seriously,” or, “I was only joking. But such deflections ignore the profound truth about words: their impact lingers long after the laughter fades.


A stinging joke might be forgiven, but it is rarely forgotten. It plants a seed of doubt, mistrust, or hurt in the heart of its recipient. The damage might not be visible, but it resides quietly, reshaping the way that person perceives the one who delivered the blow. For a fleeting moment, the shock and pain may flash across their face—unmistakable yet quickly hidden. But the echo of those words remains.


There is a saying that humour reflects truth, but perhaps it also reflects the person wielding it. Cutting jokes often arise not from cleverness, but from pain—a need to deflect attention from one’s own wounds by placing the spotlight on someone else.


What might seem like a casual quip could, in fact, be a projection. A defence mechanism dressed up in cleverness. If you find yourself continually using humour to cut others down, it might be time to look inwards. None of us are perfect, and we all miss the mark sometimes. But when a pattern emerges, it is often a sign that something within us is asking to be healed.


The truth is, words are never truly forgotten. They linger like echoes, shaping the way others experience us. And so, the call to each of us is clear: heal the wounds within before allowing them to ripple outward. Only then can our words, and our humour, reflect the kind of world we wish to create.


The power of words lies in their ability to shape perceptions, mend hearts, or cause harm. Choose wisely. For what we give voice to has the power to echo far beyond our understanding.


If you're ready to deepen your self-awareness, understand the impact of your words, and foster more meaningful connections, I have some opportunities open right now (see below).


Together, we’ll explore the power of words—and perhaps share a few laughs, all while cultivating kindness and reflection in our communication.


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