Be careful when choosing your words

Leave behind doubt. And avoid abusive self-talk. Never listen to the negative voices inside your head that sometimes try to talk you out of reaching for a better life. Instead, start speaking statements of hope and joyful expectation, saying with self-assurance all the great things you desire concerning your future.

Some time ago, I heard a memorable story.

It was about a couple who had been happily married for a number of years, but one weekend afternoon they got into a silly disagreement.

The argument got heated, and husband and wife continued to go back and forth relentlessly, insulting one another.

Later on, even though the situation they had disagreed on was successfully resolved, the magnitude of those cruel words still hurt.

The wife became increasingly distraught, as she replayed over and over in her mind the unkind things they had said to each other.

Weeks went by and, realizing their mistake, the couple decided to make an appointment with their minister.

After they told the minister what had happened, the minister reached for a small, brown paper bag and asked the couple to take a walk outside with him. It was a beautiful spring day, as they strolled through the park-like grounds of his home.

The husband and wife were intrigued, when suddenly the minister dropped to his knees and began to pick handfuls of white dandelion seeds. Next, the minister placed the seeds in the paper bag.

“What is he doing?” they wondered.

Before long, the minister handed the bagful of seeds to the couple and instructed, “Drive to the beach and scatter the seeds along the shoreline. Then, come back here.”

The couple did as they were told and soon returned to the minister’s home.“Now,” said the minister, “Go back to the beach and collect all the dandelion seeds and put them back in the bag.”

Once again, husband and wife followed his direction. Yet they discovered all the seeds had blown away in the gentle ocean’s breeze. As a result, they returned to the minister holding an empty bag.

The minister said, “Like the dandelion seeds, words can be scattered easily. However, once spoken, you cannot retrieve them.”

“Moreover,” the minister added, “When dandelion seeds fall to the ground, the seeds can colonize and affect the landscape around them. So, go forth together, and be very careful when choosing your words.”

Did you ever stop for a moment and really think about the words you speak? What do you say concerning your own future? How often do you speak, not even realizing the great significance of your words?

Words are powerful tools, so let’s use them to declare good things. Let us speak gracious words that edify those who hear them, offering expressions of praise or appreciation.

Give compliments freely. Words that are positive, encouraging and spoken in love can bring about a new awakening in other people’s lives and our own.

No matter where you are in life, regardless of what negative words have been spoken to you or what transpired in the past, at this moment you can begin anew.

Leave behind doubt. And avoid abusive self-talk. Never listen to the negative voices inside your head that sometimes try to talk you out of reaching for a better life.

Instead, start speaking statements of hope and joyful expectation, saying with self-assurance all the great things 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.”

Words of faith can transform situations. Always speak aloud the way you want conditions to come about for yourself and others. I have found that people become what you encourage them to turn out to be.

I discovered this firsthand when my daughter auditioned to be a part of the ensemble in her school’s musical. During the tryouts, I’d boost her confidence and encourage her by saying, “I am so proud of you,” “Always try your best,” “You’re singing voice is beautiful,” “We love you,” “You have so much ahead of you.”

After my daughter was cast for a part, she and the other students spent months rehearsing. When it came time for the show, we were overjoyed as we sat in the audience watching the performance and cheering on her and her classmates.

Each time my daughter stepped on the stage, she’d glance in our direction and we clapped, rooted and cheered. But what was so marvelous was I noticed that the more positive reinforcement we offered to her, the better my daughter performed.

Today, allow me to do the same for you. If you feel discouraged, let me cheer you on, empower and remind you:

“Have faith, God will ⏩ lead you in the right direction.”

“You’re wonderful and ⏩ have special gifts, so offer them the world.”

“Don’t give up now, you ⏩ have farther to go.”

“Many fantastic things ⏩ are going to happen soon.”

“Your future is promising.” ⏩

“It’s just a matter of time ⏩ before you realize your dreams.”

“You are loved!” ⏩

Never limit your vision for yourself or your future. Speak loving, positive, faith-filled words. Expand your thoughts and really embrace life.

Anything is possible. You can achieve what you say, so strive to make your aspirations a blessed reality.