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!