Word Wise: How I Try To Be Aware of My Words

Our choice of words can be life-changing and we never know when or where that change will happen.  The words we use can uplift others to rise up and succeed, or conversely, they can tear down and cause destruction or stagnation.  Damaging words used toward us seem to be what speaks louder to us.  They have the ability to create thought patterns and habits that can negatively impact daily life without us even realizing it.  How aware are you of negative self-talk? Have you noticed how pervasive negative words, thoughts, and conversations have become a part of your daily life?

I always viewed myself as a fairly positive person and thought that I was being aware of the words I was using everyday.  It wasn't until I watched a TED talk with Dr. Caroline Myss.  She talked about how important the everyday decisions we make, are the most important decisions that we make in our life.  In that talk, she talked about the words that we use and how much of an impact it can have on our well-being, based on whether or not we used negative words or positive words.  So, I started paying closer attention to the words I use.  What I found was that it isn't enough just to have a positive mindset by just THINKING positive thoughts.   Up until then, I had genuinely believed that I was using positive words to formulate those positive thoughts.  I had been operating on my own understanding that a positive mindset was enough to generate positive words.  Sure, it helps.  But, much more can be said about thinking of the words we use to formulate those thoughts.  And, paying close attention to our word choices, linking them to potential impacts and outcomes, takes A LOT of effort.  But, it is worth it.

We choose the words we use.  Just like we choose the things we read, or the people that we surround ourselves with.  Sounds simple, right?  It's not as simple as it sounds.  In order for me to be able to be aware of my words, I first had to devote real attention to what I was saying and the words I was using.  This showed me just how much my word choice and thoughts were on auto-pilot.  With that realization, I had to make a conscious choice and decision to want to change the message I was sending with the words I used.  Making that conscious choice meant that I needed to start evaluating my thoughts and the words I was using to formulate them.  Why start with my thoughts?  Because if I could minimize or eliminate the negative words used to formulate them, it would make it easier to choose better words.  I have many internal conversations when I am thinking and generating thoughts, so it only seemed natural for me to start with my thoughts.  Have I mastered this yet?  Not yet.  I am moving in the right direction though.  How do I know this?   I feel like the volume on negativity in my world, has been turned down.  I have an inner peace and I am hearing the world around me differently.

As once said by Mahatma Gandhi:  "Your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny."  This is how I try to be aware of my words.  It may not work for everyone.  Find your way to be aware of your words.  You will be surprised at the difference that it makes.