No.10 / July 2006

Welcome to this month's inspirational news letter on the


Importance of Words


'A vocabulary of truth and simplicity will be of service throughout your life'.

Winston Churchill


Most of us have the gift of speech, a wonderful vehicle to communicate thoughts, emotions, wishes, ideas, needs, orders and more. Words give us the opportunity to express and share a large percentage of our inner world, making the outer world a colourful place. Yet how much attention and awareness do we have around the importance of words? Do we take them for granted? Or do we give them the time and attention that they deserve?

Words have an enormous influence. They can encourage, offer strength, warmth, laughter, release and many other positive qualities. They can also be cruel, belittling, rude, discouraging, make us feel bad about ourselves and so on. Words play a a leading role in our lives, shaping our inner beliefs about ourselves and our self-esteem. Therefore it is necessary to be aware of the words we use to others and ourselves in order to elicit the best potential in all of us.


'A blow with a word strikes deeper than a blow with a sword.' —Robert Burton


Self Talk

Self talk is the running commentary that goes on in your mind, whether it is concerning the everyday things or more important life issues. It is the dialogue that brings courage, calmness and qualities that makes life's challenges more manageable.

However self talk can go unnoticed. Unlike hearing yourself speaking out loud, self talk requires listening without your ears. Self talk is subtle but very powerful. Therefore being aware of it makes a difference to your happiness.


'A good word is like a good tree whose root is firmly fixed and whose top is in the sky'. The Koran


Becoming aware of what your inner dialogue says and how it affects you, gives you the choice to use language that supports you. It takes willingness and effect to change negative messages, erasing the fear and inner doubts that it attracts. So becoming your own observer and choosing the words that best suit you from a mindful place will enhance your life.

Using words that resonate with you, in a positive way creates a good mental attitude. It is more than just thinking positively for a few moments and at first you may need to put extra effort into reprogramming your your self talk. With time and the commitment you give, good habits will be developed. The time you spend working on yourself is definite time worth spending. For example changing 'I'm not good enough', into 'I am worthy' or using encouraging and uplifting statements. It is about learning how to manage your mind so that it is not the director of you but the other way around.

Extending these principles to other people is just as important and will bring out the very best in them, allowing them to shine in their strengths. It is easy to speak without thinking but our words do have an impact and it is therefore important to be aware of this. We all want to hear things that make us feel good about ourselves, encouraged, motivated, worthwhile and so forth.


Exercise


Take time to notice your inner dialogue.

a. what are the messages you are give to yourself?

b. are they positive or negative?

          1. do you need to change any the way you speak to yourself?


Take time to notice how you talk to others.

a. do you speak with respect, wanting the best from the other?

b. is there room to improve the way you communicate?



Helpful Points


  • Use positive affirmations to help you break out of bad habits.

  • Use positive words in your inner and outer dialogues.

  • Do not heed negative thoughts. Calmly refuse to think them and substitute them with constructive ones instead.

  • In conversations with other people use words that evoke strength, happiness and success.

  • Be patient and gentle with yourself.

  • Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.


'Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, for they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.'


Special Offer


If you or anyone you know would like to improve your self talk, I am offering a free coaching session.


Enjoy your month with positive words to whom ever you meet and to yourself.


With best wishes, Marisa



InsideOut coaching
Phone: 0031 (0)15 256 9578
Mobile: 0031 (0)6 28 150 260
www.marisabull.com
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