Words carry tremendous power. The English language gives us a vast vocabulary, and from the earliest moments of our lives, words shape who we become.
Words Shape Us From the Start
Think about how parental encouragement shapes a child’s development. From the moment a baby rolls over to their first steps, positive reinforcement through words fuels growth and confidence. Those early words of encouragement create a foundation for everything that follows.
Words Matter
A person’s name resonates as their favorite word throughout life. Basic courtesies like “please” and “thank you” communicate respect and politeness. The words we choose send signals about who we are and how we value others.
The Energy of Words
Masaru Emoto’s water crystal experiment suggested that words carry energy. Pure water exposed to positive labels like “I Love You” formed beautiful crystals, while those labeled negatively became gray blobs. Given that humans are 60% water, it raises fascinating questions about the impact words have on our biology.
Two Audiences
The words we use have two audiences: ourselves and others.
Self-talk is perhaps the most important conversation you’ll ever have. Become your biggest fan through positive internal dialogue. Actively eliminate negativity – worry, harmful habits, negative people, and destructive thoughts. The way you speak to yourself sets the ceiling for what you can achieve.
Communication with others requires equal care. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
Affirmations
Remember these truths:
- You are capable
- You are strong
- You are worthy of love and respect
- You can achieve anything you want
- You have the power to create change
Choose your words carefully. They have the power to build up or tear down, to inspire or deflate, to heal or wound. Use them wisely.
This post is part of a series of letters to my kids. My goal is to reflect on and capture as many life lessons as possible.