The Cumulative Damage of Repeated Hurtful Words

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Words can lift us to heights we never thought possible, or they can shatter us into pieces we never imagined. In this episode of Beyond Words, Najwa Zebian explores the immense power of language—how it shapes our identity, fuels our growth, or erodes our spirit. Through vivid analogies of mirrors and walls, safe havens and storms, band-aids and knives, Najwa reveals how the words we give and receive can either nurture or destroy us. This episode is a reminder to choose words with intention—and to surround yourself with people whose words help you rise.

Timestamps & Show Notes

0:00 – Introduction

• Words have the power to build or destroy
• Reflection on how other people’s words have impacted you

1:00 – The Energy of Words

• “I love you” vs. “I hate you”
• How words fuel or deplete your energy
• Personal reflections on how words can set the tone for your entire day

2:50 – Words as Elevators

• Words can lift you to new levels or drag you into darkness
• Silence has power, but words can fertilize growth or poison it

5:20 – The Environment of Words

• The people and words you surround yourself with matter deeply
• Repetition of harmful words can numb but also destroy your sense of self

7:20 – Silence as Neglect

• Choosing not to speak when someone opens up can wound them further
• The absence of empathy can feel like fuel to the fire

9:15 – Mirrors vs. Walls

• Words can be a mirror that reflects and validates
• Or they can be a wall that offers nothing and deepens pain
• Examples of neglect when joy or pain isn’t mirrored back

13:40 – Safe Havens vs. Storms

• Words can calm a tornado of self-blame or fuel the chaos
• Creating safety with empathy and presence
• Choosing to be a safe haven even in silence

19:00 – Band-aids vs. Knives

• Words as healing ointment or as sharp blades that worsen wounds
• The impact of words on emotional injuries

23:00 – Dimming Your Light

• When people demand you be a smaller version of yourself
• The cost of silencing your voice to be accepted

27:00 – Cutting the Strings

• Choosing to cut off people whose words devalue you
• Refusing to grant access to those who only seek to bring you down

30:00 – Spinning vs. Clarity

• Words can stop someone’s spiraling thoughts or intensify confusion
• Abusers thrive on keeping you in confusion

33:00 – Echoes vs. Silence

• Words can amplify and validate someone’s voice
• Or they can silence and erase a person’s sense of value

36:30 – Final Reflections

• Five reminders: words can be mirrors, safe havens, band-aids, clarity, and echoes
• Najwa’s call to reflect on one word that comes to mind when you think of the power of words