the right true words

Words lead to deeds... They prepare the soul, make it ready, move it to tenderness.
- Saint Teresa

"[T]ry then, as you work out your individual destinies, to remember that words, the right true words, can have the power of deeds. Remember, too, that little-used word that has just about dropped out of public and private usage: tenderness. It can't hurt. And that other word: soul--call it spirit if you want. If it makes it any easier to claim the territory. Don't forget either. Pay attention to the spirit of your words, your deeds. That's preparation enough. No more words."
- Raymond Carver, "Meditation on a Line from Saint Teresa"