Blessings are within your reach

Over 25 years ago, I recall being in a photo shop picking up some pictures and feeling pretty glum. I felt as if

I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, my mind filled with doubts, as I struggled with past hurts, mounting bills and a life filled with uncertainty.

While I was awaiting my turn in line at the photo shop, I noticed the man behind the counter write a few words on a pink sticky note. Then, to my surprise, he handed it to me. The man’s name was David and I had seen him only a few times before. A bit startled, I took the sticky note from him, and looked at the words on the small piece of paper. It read, “You are wonderful and are worth every good thing that happens to you.”

I can’t begin to describe what those words meant to me… and still mean to me. Even now, as I am sharing this story with you, my eyes fill with tears. I clung to that note, reading and re-reading it time and again, carrying it with me for years, and allowing it to become a beacon of light in my then dark world.

Today, I still carry that pale pink note with me in my Day Timer. And from time to time, I take it out and remember, with thankfulness David, the man with the kind words I will never forget.

I sometimes wonder if we really understand how powerful our words can be. The daily barrage of negativity can take its toll on us. And that is why we must fill our soul with encouraging affirmations, positive thoughts of hope, joyful expectation, and a healthy environment, so that they outweigh and outrun the negative.

Let’s try this: For the next 12 hours express only words of love, hope, good wishes, positive remarks and genuine admiration. I know a woman who did this and reported, “Catherine, by just changing my speech, I noticed a profound difference in the way I felt, how I behaved, and my family’s attitude.” As she continued in this manner for a few weeks, she told how speaking constructive words helped her to defuse unconstructive situations, and instead of constantly complaining about problems that arose, with an optimistic outlook, she looked for productive ways to solve them. “There is always an abundance of good things to do and say,” she declared.

Remember; speak only of good for the next 12 hours. And then… see what happens. Are you all set to begin?

Express thankfulness for the people in your life. Say, “I’m grateful for you,” “You’re a blessing to me,” “I’m proud of you,” and “I love you.” The more you express aloud your appreciation and love, the more love and appreciation you will feel. Pass on a genuine compliment, a declaration of praise and applaud another’s good efforts. Our voices’ potential for good is boundless.

For kind, inspiring, reassuring words may take only a few minutes to write or utter. Yet, in the heart and mind of a person, they can last a lifetime. People’s self-esteem, their hopes and dreams can be influenced by what you say. For every affirmative word that you offer to another can be one of the most enduring and longlasting gifts you can ever give to them.

If you can, give someone a good recommendation, for that reference can be the break that is needed to open a new window of opportunity. We are all creators in a fashion, just like God our Father. We create by the words that come out of our mouths.

Leave behind doubt. And avoid abusive selftalk. Never listen to the negative voices inside your head that sometimes try to talk us out of reaching for a better life. Instead, start now speaking statements of hope and joyful expectation, saying with self-assurance all the great things that you desire concerning your future. All through the day, affirm: “Everything is going to be all right,” “I’m healthy, strong and capable,” “Opportunities are coming my way,” “God is with me, guiding my path,” “I won’t quit,” “I’ll prevail over this circumstance,” and “My goals will fall into place.”

Think about what you could accomplish by speaking positive, hopeful words? Words of faith can transform situations.

Guinness World Records for various acrobatic feats, Nik Wallenda is best known as the first person to walk a tightrope stretched directly over Niagara Falls. An American acrobat, aerialist, and author, Wallenda is known as the “King of the High Wire.” He trains and prepares continually. And Wallenda has performed live in every state in the U.S.A. and even all over the world.

In a recent interview, I heard Wallenda say that while he is performing these death-defying feats, he talks to himself as he walks steadily across the wire. “I quote Scriptures. I pray. And I give thanks to God for the incredible opportunities that He provides,” he declares.

Rather than focusing on anything negative, Wallenda visualizes successfully making it to the other side. From crossing the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, to walking blindfolded between two towers in Chicago, Nik Wallenda personifies the Wallenda Family legacy of “Never giving up.”

Like Nik Wallenda, you have special gifts and strengths. You were born to excel, to make a difference in the lives of others, and achieve your goals bringing about what God has called you to accomplish. Therefore, really think about what you say on a daily basis about yourself and others. And don’t let anything keep you from being a great influence in the lives of your fellow human beings.