Wow. Another weekend already? It feels like this week just got started, right? Anyway when last we spoke I promised that on this edition of “Becoming Today” we’ll identify a few steps that help make your word choice work for you.
It’s a simple four-step process.
Now I didn’t say it was easy and I’m definitely not saying some parts may not be hard, I’m saying four steps to communicating better is pretty simple.
- Avoid Self-Criticism
I’m hearing the sighs already. Easier said than done, I can testify to that as I’m my own worst critic. However I can also tell you from my own life experiences that choosing positive words to describe myself and worthiness have increased my personal sense of value and well-being.
Start by replacing negative thoughts about yourself with realistic, truthful statements.
Avoid making false comments, or striving to block thoughts with false attempts at being overly confident. A balanced, realistic outlook is a key to “Becoming”.
- Don’t Gossip
This step really is simple and even with just two words should be self explanatory.
But if you really need to hear more, studies have shown that gossiping is harmful to your health. More than ¾ of people surveyed, 77% say they are experiencing damaging stress in their lives. Plus nearly half say that stress has increased within recent years. Don’t make yourself sick, literally, by wasting words running down others.
- Harness the Positive Energy of Words
Choose your words. Make sure they uplift and inspire, at all times. Here’s a link to a conversation we had earlier this year on the power of and how to formulate your own positive affirmations.
- Encircle Yourself with Uplifting Expressions
Love that quote? Write it down in your journal, or on a sticky note, maybe even on the whiteboard on the refrigerator wherever you can see it and be reinforced and inspired by it. Unlike a current TV commercial that tries to claim the opposite- yes, sometimes you do need a sign to remind you to live.. laugh, love….LOL, see you’re laughing now. And are already experiencing the joyful impacts of making words work for you!
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of word choice, let’s expand our vocabularies with some options for incorporating what we’ve learned. Since this began with yesterday’s discussion of “Declaring Your Intentions”, here are some bold options to declare boldly.
Bold words:
adventurous
audacious
courageous
daring
fearless
heroic
resolute
bantam
forward
gallant
assuming
aweless
dauntless
enterprising
intrepid
unafraid
undaunted
valiant
valorous
Word that are not bold:
afraid
cautious
cowardly
fearful
meek
shy
timid
unadventurous
weak
faint
fair
light
quiet
reticent
retiring
timorous
Sterling Silver Diamond 3 Stone Heart Pendant Necklace (1/4 cttw), 18″
Words that Declare:
Proclaim
Announce
Make known
State
Communicate
Reveal
Divulge
Mention
Talk about
Raise
Air
Bring into the open
Voice
Articulate
Pronounce
Express
Vent
Set forth
Make public
Publicize
Disseminate
Circulate
Publish
Broadcast
Promulgate
Trumpet
Blazon
Come out with
Shout from the rooftops
For those of you who have been with us for a while you may have noticed, our Saturday format was a little different. If this was your first visit thank you and please come back and visit with us again.
While not doing the weekly review today, instead I’ll point you to some related thoughts:
Earlier this year we talked a bit about Speaking Confidently, which follows today’s topic very well as my thoughts on Living What You Say do as well.
I pray all of you have a safe and blessed weekend and I hope you’ll visit us again as the new week, and new month will reveal new steps in our shared journey of “Becoming Today”.
Becoming Today with Rochelle Jeanette 