What's in a Word?

Words impact our lives and have more power than we can imagine. Words create the core of our communication, personal expression and are powerful enough to manipulate our reality and existence. Think I'm speaking "out of context?" Then, why at age 50 are you still allowing the critical words spoken to you by an angry parent at age 10 to control your life today? Words create an image or perception of ourselves or what we believe others perceive us to be and have an energy that either increases or diminishes our self worth and confidence. Words are power, and yet we are often careless with what we allow to roll off our tongues during everyday conversation. How many of us really "think before we speak?" Here's an example. Right now, "try" to stop reading this message. You either stopped reading or you continued to read, but you did not "try" to stop reading. Webster's definition of the word "try" reads, "to make an attempt." The word "try" keeps us in process rather than takes us to completion. Yet most of us habitually make daily use of the word "try." "Try" is a word that tears us down because it traps our energy in process mode rather than free our energy in expressive mode. When you say, "I am "trying" to accomplish something," you are really saying, "I am making an attempt but not really doing it." If you say, "I am trying to change a bad habit," you are really saying "I am making an attempt but getting nowhere." Here's another example. The word "decision" means, "to cut, as if with a knife." Its root is related to the words suicide, insecticide, pesticide, and homicide. All words related to death. It's no wonder we often feel stuck when we are in the position of making a "decision." Unconsciously we are saying: "If I take one option the other option will die. What if my decision is a mistake and there's no turning back?" By replacing the word "try" with the word "choice," we change the power of our options. The word "choice" means, "making a selection, the opportunity or power of choosing" To live in the power of choice frees and expands our energy. The word choice builds up life creates options. Just think how much we drain our precious life's energy when we say, "I am "trying" to make a "decision!" We become exhausted, frustrated and often times give up all together. I say, "stop trying!" and never make another "decision" in your life!" Use the power of your words to affirm the choices you claim for your life. Here are a few other words worth rethinking: When you say "but" you negate all the words preceding it. (I like you but...) The word "just" minimizes the words following. (I just want to say ...") The word "remember," affirms, the words "don't forget" assign judgment (Remember to pick me up after school.) What's in a word? The energy of your life! Empower yourself to change your life by changing your vocabulary! Think about it!