Do you realize that with every word you speak, you have the power to change somebody’s day with even a 2 second encounter?! It’s true! You have the ability to speak positivity, which can help someone to hold their head high, BUT you also have the ability to speak negativity, which CAN bring those around you to their knees in tears!
Far too many times I’ve allowed my emotions to hurt people with the words that came out of my mouth! Sometimes, it was intentional (not proud), and sometimes I just flat out didnt stop to think about what I was saying! I can think of times when I’ve said, “not to be rude…” or “dont take this the wrong way, but…” and even the classic “can I be honest with you?” Looking back, I am ashamed that I let myself treat others in a way that was anything but respectful! I’ve seen firsthand that my words have caused others to hang their head low! I’ve also experienced watching my very own words hurt others to the core, and no matter how “sorry” I was, I knew things would never be the same! And they haven’t been! Looking back at my childhood and even my teenage years, I have many scars from things that were said to me. And I dont mean just the normal parenting words such as, “pull your head out of your…!” No, I mean all the times I was told, “I may be fat, but you’re ugly and I can diet!” YES, that was really said to me…….on a daily basis, from the age of 14! So sure, I could try and blame my faults on my upbringing, but now that I’m an adult, there’s no excuse that will excuse me putting others down or making them feel inferior to me or anybody else, just because I can! Knowing how much words really do matter, I need, no I MUST, do better!
Thankfully, I’ve learned, with A LOT of help and guidance (aka counseling) to use my words for good! You see, when we use our words for positivity, we are showing each other how to treat us, as well as others! It is amazing at how the smallest compliment or sometimes even acknowledgment of others can go a long, long way! Just like we wouldn’t think twice of holding a door for a stranger, we should be just as willing (if not more willing) to speak highly TO AND ABOUT those we are around every day! It really is amazing at how some people just need a quick “hello”, “how are you?” Or maybe even a 1 minute conversation of something positive between you and them! When we are kind with our words, others around us will follow suit! And what a wonderful opportunity we have…..to give the next generation the power of positivity!
So what do your words say about you?! Do you use your words to harm or build? Are you an example that you want your own children to follow? Or would you be embarrassed if they used their words to hurt others, because they learned it from you? What, if anything, do you need to do differently when it comes to how you speak to and about others?
Nobody will ever be perfect and we will ALL say things that are uncalled for! But what we CAN do in the here and now is to strive to build the confidence of the people that God places in our path! We will never know when our words may push someone to a breaking point! Just the opposite is also true, we may never know that what we say is what keeps someone going! May you and I be the ones to always use our words to lift others up!
Enjoy Every Moment 