The power of words

To shift your state.

Many moons ago, I had the idea to open a shop in Manhattan. I had the vision for it, knew the brands I wanted (introducing small, hip European brands to the US market), and the concept that it would also function as a gallery space, exhibiting work from newer artists. And I had a name… Dialogue.

In hindsight, it was a misguided venture. It counts as one of my “failures” and one from which I learned A LOT. Here’s a longer version of the story if your curiosity is piqued.

Photo by me.

One thing that started to take hold of me at the time was the idea of words and their impact. I had just completed my Masters in 20th Century Literature and Its Contexts at Goldsmiths University in London. Specificity, word choice, the origin of words, and what they meant roamed around my brain for 12 months, and this stayed with me.

When you think about the word “spelling.” The root is “spell.” Which also means to “cast a spell.” Words cast a spell. They have an energy. The wrong word used at the wrong time can be a disaster. The right word used at the right time can open up worlds. When I write now, I stop myself and check… does this word I want to use mean what I think it does? Sometimes it does, but often it doesn’t. It misses the mark of what I intend to say. And if I’m taking the time to write, I want to get it right.

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Word of the year.

I’ve never been one to choose a word of the year. I didn’t get It. But at the start of 2024, I felt pulled to choose, not one, but two. The words that called to me were curiosity and trust.