I can’t remember a time I didn’t have a fire in my belly for talking.
My mind is always cultivating stories, dialogues, and stringing words together into blogs or content.
Mom said I was an early talker and never stopped!
I love words.
I love names, and for some reason, everyone dear to me has a nickname.
I don’t know if I’ve ever said Celine Dion’s name correctly.
It always has to have a special annunciation and effect when I say it.
I mean, she is CELINE!
I say her name and my heart goes on.
Words.
As kids, my brother and I watched a movie.
I couldn’t even tell you what it was about, except that we remembered the way they said “Ricky.”
To this day, if I say “Ricky” to my brother he smiles and laughs.
Words.
Words connect us. Words destroy us. Words inspire us. Words discourage us. Words are powerful.
Words are all around us. Begin to take note of the words you’re saying and the words you’re hearing. Again, both are powerful.
Let’s look at the words you’re speaking.
What is coming out of your mouth?
What is filling your head?
We speak words to others, but we also speak words to ourselves.
Take today and listen, really listen.
Are you speaking the truth?
Are you building up other people or tearing them down?
Are you wasting your words or giving them with love and encouragement?
At first glance, you may think this is a trite subject.
But think about it.
What are you saying to yourself?
Are you your biggest fan or worst enemy?
Are the words you are listening to about yourself creating growth, confidence and kindness?
Or are they holding you back, paralyzing you, and making you feel like you’re just not enough?
There are words all over our house.
Words that say love, forgive and laugh.
Words that greet my girls in the morning and end their day,”Hello Gorgeous.”
Poems and prayers. A seasonal chalkboard that celebrates birthdays, seasons or special occasions.
Another tradition I’ve been practicing for years when I travel, I leave messages on the mirror for my husband and kids.
I also hide Post-it notes under pillows.
Why?
Because words and the messages they send are powerful.
I want my people to know they are loved and celebrated.
A question I ask myself daily, am I being intentional with my words?
Are you being intentional with your words?
Now, where I have struggled over the years, the words I say to myself.
The message I heard over and over for years, “You are not enough.”
After deep reflection, I found the root of this message.
I stopped listening to those destructive words and began saying words that heal.
I am enough.
I am worthy.
Listening to the old message was keeping me from living the life God wanted me to live.
It was keeping me from the freedom to live fully.
What words do you want to say and hear?
Say words that create inspiration and wonder within you and in others.
Kind, beautiful words are contagious.
Here’s what I mean.
I opened my laptop one morning to find a sweet message on a sticky note saying, “I love you and have a great day.”
It was from my teenage son. Since then, I have found notes written on my calendar, white board or in my notebook.
They are from my kids and their friends!
It fills my heart in ways I didn’t know possible.
What words are you choosing today?
Words are a superpower, let them come from a place of love, a love for God, yourself and a love for others.
