It’s a small word, but it carries a lot of weight. When I was younger, I used to say it all the time—I can’t do that. It’s too hard. It’s too difficult. My dad would always reply, You can’t, or you won’t? At the time, I didn’t understand what he meant. But now, as I’ve grown older, I see his point clearly.

We often say can’t before we’ve even tried, shutting down possibilities before giving ourselves a fair chance. It becomes an automatic response, a safety net that keeps us from stepping outside our comfort zones. But how many times do we actually mean I don’t want to rather than I truly can’t?

I still catch myself using the word, but I try to be mindful of it. Instead of saying I can’t, I ask myself: Have I tried? Do I want to try? What if I could?

Because sometimes, the only thing standing in our way is the belief that we can’t.

Daily writing prompt

If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?

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Daily writing prompt

If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?

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If we were to consider banning a word from our lexicon, one that often garners contention and can be a source of divisiveness is “hate.” While it’s important to acknowledge and address hate in our society, the word itself has become overused and, at times, misused, leading to desensitization or dilution of its significance.

“Hate” is a powerful word that carries immense weight and conveys strong emotions. However, its frequent usage in various contexts, from trivial matters to serious societal issues, may inadvertently diminish the gravity of genuine instances of hatred and discrimination. Moreover, its indiscriminate application can perpetuate negativity and conflict, hindering constructive dialogue and understanding.

By banning or minimizing the casual use of “hate,” we can encourage more nuanced and thoughtful discussions surrounding topics that warrant serious consideration. This action may prompt individuals to use alternative language that accurately reflects the severity of the situation or emotion they are describing, fostering greater empathy and communication.