You can consciously choose how you use your words whenever you open your mouth.

In this era of continuous texting and plethora of social media, face-to-face communication is becoming infrequent so it’s easy to be misunderstood. Indeed,  it is mandatory that we all re-read our communications before hitting the send button. Try to read them aloud first to ensure you are getting your intended point across to your audience. Do not risk being insensitive with your words by being too quick to hit that send key. Exercising caution is crucial because once you transmit your message, there is no turning back.

Sometimes we say something under the guise of using humour. for instance,  we may poke fun at a family member when it is really an insult. Plus, we tend do this when we lack the courage to say what we really mean. If we are upset, it is our way of getting back at them.

So, if  you are going to say untruths or hurtful remarks, hold your tongue. If you are angry, do no say anything until the emotion has quelled. Expressing yourself in a grounded, loving manner is far more effective to get the results you want.

Your words are both external and internal.

Externally, we habitually repeat many statements without realizing it, such as:

• “I am too old for this.”
• “I can’t afford a weekend getaway with my wife.”
• “I can’t start an exercise program until the kids leave home.”
• “I will eat better when I have more time.”
• “I’ll travel when I retire.”

Being aware of the words you use is the first step to create a positive inner reality which will eventually be reflected in your outer reality. If you constantly repeat the same negative phrases while trying to make improvements, change can never happen.

Internally, we often use many repetitive thought patterns and words in a mindless manner against ourselves. When you talk to yourself, do you say: “Kudos, you did a brilliant job today. You are so skilled!” Or, do you say: “I’m so dull, I never do anything right. I guess I’m not good at anything.”

Do you look in the mirror each morning and say: “I look fit, healthy and happy today. I feel fantastic.” Or, do you say: “Damn, look at that fat, jiggly belly and all those crow’s feet around my eyes. Ugh, I hate my body!” 

When I address weight management issues with a client, we study their self-talk first. Yes, you can try every diet known on Earth, but if you are disrespecting yourself by saying negative words internally while eating a kale salad, nothing will change.

Beyond being  counterproductive to your desired goals, you are unconsciously sabotaging yourself.

Awareness is the key to changing your long held patterns or outdated beliefs. To effect immediate change, start noticing your language. Try to catch the negative words in your mind, then instantly rephrase them.

Mental imagery often helps when observing the negative thought again. For example, imagine that you are switching to a different radio station, you have a giant eraser or you are hitting the delete key.

• What words do you use to start your day?
• Are you excited about the day?
• Are you dreading work?

How you start your day affects your whole experience of that day?
Pause for a few moments before leaping out of bed and try visualizing your day.

• What would you like to see in your day?
• How would you like events to unfold?
• How will you act or speak?

Your conscious awareness can create a fabulous day!

Try this self-empowering exercise a few mornings and see what transpires.

Begin with, “I create my day by …” Use creative colorful, uplifting words and phrases.

In the end, you can actually create the life of your dreams through your very own thoughts and words!