You’ve heard it, haven’t you? “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Really?
How many of you have been stung by words hurled at you like stones or had your spirit crushed and beaten down with comments that feel like flogging sticks? It’s happened to all of us. Harsh words are painful and remembered, burned into our psyches like hot branding irons that leave ugly, long-lasting scars.
On the other hand, do you also carry in your heart and mind words of encouragement, caring, appreciation, praise, assurance, love? Words spoken by others that have healed, built strength, imbued confidence? I hope so.
And what about the words you say to yourself? The messages you repeat to yourself, the stories that you tell yourself, impact how you view yourself and the world. Your words can lift you up or beat you down.
When I train and coach individuals and teams on how to improve communication, we always discuss the importance of paying attention to the words that one chooses – whether in a formal presentation, in a meeting, or in a casual conversation. How you talk to people – your co-workers, those you supervise, your students, patients, customers, friends, children, spouse – even – strangers can have a profound and memorable effect on them either in a positive or negative way. And the words that come out of your mouth impact you as well.
In this month of love (and every month, day, hour, minute), choose your words carefully. Choose carefully what you say to others and what you say to yourself. Tom Stoddard said, “Words are sacred. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little.”
How are you “nudging” the world around you with your words? And how are you nudging yourself? Just as you carefully select that perfect piece of Valentine chocolate from the fancy, heart-shaped box, carefully select words that are sweet to the hearer’s ear. You, and they, will be glad you did.
©Copyright 2018
