Word.

Speak with conviction. Speak with validation. Speak straight to and from the heart.

But don't, by all means, use your voice to condemn, to limit, to assert your authority.

Don't, by any account, use your power to have a say to squash the voices of those who have no platform. Have no microphone. Have no title.

Don't, by any question of a doubt, use your words to invoke conflict. To create wars. To widen the gap.

Communicate with carefully considered and suitably chosen words that string together to form a message. A message that speaks with honour, integrity and sincerity.

A message that mends tensions. Builds bridges. Finds solutions.

Use your tongue, your larynx, your lips, your eyes, your hands, your smile. Use it all to make a compelling argument for peace.

An argument - that with all honesty - has no argument. No come back. No return.

Articulate. Accentuate. Punctuate. 

Proclaim it.

Start with saying hello.

Release thoughts of conflict

Feed them love

Realise the impact of your actions

Choose to exchange words, not violence

Today, November 21st, is World Hello Day. A global event for a global expression of peace. The day came into being in 1973 as a response to the Yom Kippur War, a war fought by the coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria against Israel. A terrible conflict with far-reaching consequences.

Today is observed by people in 180 countries and carries a message for world leaders: to use communication rather than force to settle conflicts. 

And the challenge for you? Say hello to 10 people today. 10 people you have never met. Change starts small and starts with you. Regardless of whether it is still November 21st in your corner of the world or not, make it your aim to connect through the power of the word today.

Learn more at the World Hello Day website.

You'll next hear from a woman who is a living expression of bravery, determination and valour. Someone who was forced to let go of connection to home and start all over again. She is one of the lucky ones.

In the meantime, who did you say hello to today and what was their reaction? Click the 'no comment' link and share below.

Oh, and HELLO! xx