The Power of Words: How What We Say Shapes Our Reality
Words are powerful: They can make or break relationships, instil fear or encourage, uplift, or undermine. Words should be used responsibly as they influence and affect our lives and those of others.
Our subconscious mind deciphers what it hears, say psychologists. Positive talk generates positivity/optimism, and negative talk creates negativity/pessimism. Neurologists state that with repeated practice, we can rewire our brains to replace negative speech with positive talk.
How words boost self-confidence
1) Labels: Labelling yourself, others, or situations limits/restricts your growth. For example, taking a day off will not make you a slacker or less ambitious; rather, it shows that you value your peace of mind and wellness.
2) Talk positively: Focus on what you want, talk about it, as it increases your awareness of missed opportunities. Positive talk motivates and negative talk demotivates.
3) Reticence: When women talk, they begin their sentence with an apology, whereas men do not. Just talk without reticence, as your perspective matters too.
4) Descriptive: It is better to avoid using finite, descriptive words like ‘always,’ ‘impossible, ’ as we are unaware of what is possible and when. For all you know, what seems impossible today may be possible tomorrow,
5) Imagine: Add a dash of humour to your negative self-talk to help lighten the mood. Use your imagination and juggle your words.
6) Speak to act: Talking that paves the way to working towards your goals is what works. Say “I will” instead of “I will try”. This is the motivating factor.
7) Manner of talk: It is better to talk and uplift rather than talk and bring down yourself/others. Talking positively about your goals, aspirations create motivation and positivity, which energises you. Alternatively, disbelief and negative thinking lead to stress, incompetence, and hopelessness.
8) Awareness: Awareness before speaking is required, as our words affect those around us, positively or negatively. Humans are gifted with the power of speech, and it is only right to talk responsibly.
Eg, If we talk rudely to someone, they will be hurt, and others may also distance themselves from us. Alternately, if our talk motivates others, we create a positivity that makes them gravitate towards us.
9) Responsibility: Our manner of talking also influences our children. We need to be careful not to use foul language and talk responsibly in their presence.
10) Self-talk: Positive self-talk will make us optimistic and eager to give our best. Negative self-talk is demotivating and useless.
Talking transmits energy. The positive words emphasise your ability and self-worth and become a way of life. The words spoken to yourself and others create a chain reaction, and their energy shapes your reality, relationships, and presence. Therefore, speak well.
“Words can inspire. And words can destroy. Choose yours well”
Words have an important part in our wellness.
- Negative talk is demotivating, making us prone to anxiety/depression and other ailments; positive talk relaxes the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and we become mindful.
- Positive talk releases feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin, and negative talk activates the stress hormone cortisol.
- Positive talk helps us manage our emotions better; negative talk confuses us.
This holds for both the spoken and written words. Words express what we feel and how they affect others. Speaking positively and kindly with someone facing stressful situations can make them feel better and maybe provide a solution to their problems. Words should be spoken for the betterment of others and not to ridicule them. Words should be used to motivate rather than demean. Words should be used to spread cheer/laughter and not unhappiness/sadness. BUT words should also be used to reprimand and make others understand their faults for their good.
Words are powerful for setting intentions and manifesting results. Look in the mirror every morning and repeat “I am healthy,” “I am happy,” “I am strong,” “I can and I will do it,” “I am healing,” “I am unafraid.” Saying this day in and day out will make you positive.
Expressing your gratitude by journaling will make you optimistic, and you will feel the positive energy. You will be recharged and ready to take on the world.
“Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.”
Once we have accepted ourselves, we learn to face each challenge and setback without any fear of failure. We learn that it is perfectly fine to slip and fall, and stand up tall, once again. We learn to live without validation from others; after all, we are the ones who matter the most to ourselves, not others. We learn to break free of false stereotypes and are comfortable in our own skin. We learn to overcome tragedy/loss and heal and become better human beings.
“Be “kind of word, and “good of deed” for all humanity.
