Excuse Me, You Said What?

During a recent Zoom meeting, a participant was sharing and, SUDDENLY, my Artificial Intelligence (AI) unit, Alexa, began speaking. Out of the blue, followed by music I’d never heard before. Totally startled! Did I program a reminder for myself on this AI device and forget? (Well, I am getting up there.) And the unknown music? Oh my, are we heading for serious woo-woo territory?

Thank heavens I was muted on Zoom. Quickly halted my online video, rushed over to Alexa, and said “stop!” Rushed back to Zoom and turned on the video again. Mind churning, the Twilight Zone TV show theme playing in my head…

Ohhhh, insight strikes. Something in the sharing of the person speaking on Zoom triggered Alexa to turn on and play music. Whoa, mysterious words with an absolutely unintended effect.

Hmmm… maybe like some of the words I use, unintentionally, of course. Never really knowing their power as I just casually TOSS them off. Forgetting those little verbal critters can: unexpectedly turn on Alexa, bring light into someone’s darkness, incite pain or shame, or plant a seed which will support someone’s growth into fullness.

Yep, my words. (Maybe, yours, too?) Are these words unintentional stinging slingshots, balm, or seeds for future growth?  I’d like to thank Alexa for the reminder that my words (or anyone’s words) can have unexpected outcomes. Can I be more intentional with the words I speak? Proactively intending greater connection with others rather than launching, consciously or unconsciously, verbal barbs. And, oh my, avoid awakening poor Alexa in the middle of a Zoom meeting, much to my chagrin.

Here’s to all the unexpected teachers in our lives. Alexa, are you listening? With deep gratitude….

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