We all know words matter. Words have the power to inspire, challenge, diminish or destroy. Words can convey beauty or hatred, joy or sorrow, peace or unrest. Eloquent words can engender poignant and deep-felt emotions. Hurtful words can bring a lifetime of anguish, self-doubt or shame. As we slowly emerge from the turmoil of the pandemic and political upheaval, battle racial inequities and more, I reflect on the words that have impacted me.

In January of this year, I started a podcast, “Leading in a Lonely World: Conversations with Transformative Leaders” and have had the good fortune to speak with many leaders while they share their words of wisdom. Some of these words are original, some passed down by mentors. George Washington Jr., chief litigation counsel for Orange Business Services shared his personal mantra: “Care, but don’t carry.” He found these words helpful to put things in perspective.