Being negative only makes a journey more difficult. You may have been given a cactus, but you don’t have to sit on it. —Joyce Meyer
Words, whether you think it or say it, have tremendous impact over your life.
At first, I didn’t think it was that big of a deal until I saw firsthand how it affected my closest friends these last few years.
For the last year or so, I’ve been studying on the importance of the influence of words we speak to ourselves.
The more I read about it, listen to others speak about it and studied it, I realized that I ultimately had control over how my days were going to go.
For example, about two years ago, I left work on a dark and rainy Monday evening. I get to the garage to find that my car had a flat tire. What would you say how most people would react?
You guessed it.
“Really?! I had a terrible day at work, it’s raining, now I have a flat and to top it all off, it’s Monday! All I want is to go home! Ugh!”
For some reason, I found myself thinking differently that day though. My thoughts were, “Although I had a not-so-great-day at work, I’m blessed to have a car to get me to work and I don’t have to call family/friends or AAA because I know how to change a tire all by myself, which most girls/women don’t know how to do!”
I told my roommate at the time what happened and she asked where I was so she could help me. I rejected her offer to help, told her that I could handle it and if for some reason I couldn’t, I would call her. It felt so good to know that the great part is that I already knew what to do that I went on to change my tire without thinking about it much and was well on my way after 15 minutes!
Can you imagine if I said or thought the first part?
I would’ve had a terrible ride home, been mad at the whole world, lost a little focus as I drove, which puts myself and others in danger and most likely wouldn’t be able to enjoy the rest of my evening.
If you’ve had similar thoughts like this before and want to change, one question you must ask yourself every morning is, “What do I want to happen today?” I learned this from Grace Keohohou at a business event several years ago. She also taught on the difference between contrast versus clarity. If you’re confused, do you think you’ll take action? No. However, a mind that’s clear will race and move.
I know this sounds crazy, but if you’re tired of having “bad days” or feeling like you should be happier, begin by changing your words!
For example, instead of saying, “I don’t want that…”, declare, “I prefer this…” Don’t just say your words, declare them! You’re in control of the words that form in your mind and the words that leave your mouth, so declare what you want!
Here are a few more clarity thoughts:
I’m in the process of…
I’ve decided…
I’m grateful…
To study more about the power of words, start by attending events to listen to people speak on the impact of our words and how we should be communicating to ourselves and others, study Jen Groover on entrepreneurism and emotional intelligence. Lastly, read like crazy! Reading is borrowing someone else’s brain and thought process so steal away!
I highly recommend I’m currently The Power Of Your Words by pastor Robert Morris and these books if you’re looking for a place to start.
If you didn’t know that the words you think and say to yourself have power over your life, don’t feel bad. I didn’t either. The great thing is now that you know, you can control what words will influence your life.
What words do you choose to speak over your life?
Looking for something in particular?
