Have you ever stopped to think about how the words that you utter affect your whole life?

Words are powerful and once spoken, remain ‘out there’ and cannot be taken back. Our vocabulary, the words we choose in our conversations and also our own self talk – that voice inside our head, can profoundly affect our moods, our expectations, our relationships, our successes.

Have you ever stopped and listened to yourself? Are your words positive, realistic and uplifting? Do they express your own values and truths?

Or are they bathed in negativity, self doubt and a lack of self love and respect? Do they reflect automatic learned responses that are based on values that are not your own?

Most likely it will be somewhere in between and it can be very informative and interesting to just stop and listen.

Our self effacing natures can be endearing as we are not likely to sound ‘up ourselves’ but sometimes we can take our words too far and end up putting ourselves down and believing the things we say.

For example, how many times do the words ‘I can’t’ come out? At first we might just be being modest or humble, not wanting to set ourselves apart by being smart or clever or talented, so we understate our abilities. ‘Oh I can’t ride a bike very well. I’m not very smart or good as such and such’.

Or do you often started sentences with ‘the problem is’?

When we start it can be harmless, but it is easy to begin believing it and doubting our own abilities can lead us to not doing something at all.

When we don’t achieve as well as we would like, do the words – mistake and failure come tumbling out - and how do we feel then? Others pick up on our language and start agreeing with us and soon we start living failure and mistakes.

How much difference would it make if we spoke more like this. ‘Ok this didn’t work out so well. Never mind I’ve learnt a lot and I can give it another try and I’m sure I will do better.’

This then allows us the freedom to start achieving and excelling and when we do if we say ‘I did well, I’m good at that’, then we encourage ourselves to keep going and do even better. Others catch on and start believing this about us too and doors start to open.

By examining our own vocabulary and simply replacing the negative with more uplifting language, we can turn our moods, expectations and achievements around. ‘Failure’ becomes ‘opportunity to learn and try again’.

Negative thinking and downward spirals become positive uplifting moods that inspire ourselves and others. Small changes of language can bring about big changes in our lives.

You can do it. Why not give it a go today?

Merelyn’s writing is supported in part by the sale of her books. Autobiography - ‘The Deepest Part of Me’.  ‘Inspire’ – inspirational reflections for your life’s journey.  ‘Stories behind the Songs’ and her first children’s picture book ‘To The Moon and Back - Grandma’s Rocket Ship Adventure’. To find out more about her work and to support her through the purchase of her writings and music, please go to www.carterandcarter.com.au