The Power of Language

Change your words and change your life.

Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny. ~Gandhi

Words matter.

I was reminded of that the other night. I described my recent airbnb experience as a “disaster”.

A disaster is typically used to describe a catastrophic event, like being trapped in an upside-down car or having your house destroyed by a hurricane or fire. These are my friend’s paraphrased words, not mine.

I didn’t consider that perspective because I was trapped in a proverbial upside-down hell for a few days.

At least that’s what I would call it then. I made my own “hell” by verbalizing how awful things were. I created my reality when I attributed words like “disaster” to my uncomfortable situations.

Language is the catalyst for our thought. What we say, we feel.~Kyle P.

Energy matters.

We can shift our perception of reality with a few slight changes in our approach.

You don’t have to complain about something that’s already a challenge. You can choose to change your view and therefore change your path.

What if you were to look at challenges as opportunities? What if you stop giving them any energy? Then they become neutral. They just are.

Having to go to Target 3 times in one day because I forgot one thing and had to return another is not a disaster. I still used that word the day after I spoke to him.

I was afraid of running late to pick up my kid from school, so I considered waiting in line a problem. But really, what’s the worst that could happen?

Well, I could get trapped under my car. Since that’s highly unlikely, I would keep her waiting. That’s about it.

Sometimes, nothing is wrong. But I made it so with my choice of words.

It’s a pattern I need to break. I paused, incredulous that I would use words to harm myself.

Words can be used to harm or heal. We can make different choices once we’re aware.

We have habitual language patterns that don’t serve us. By my own admission, I overreact to stressful situations.

If we want serenity and joy to flow, we need to redirect our energy.

Letting go is everything.

“Let it go before it kills you. Let it fall and fade away. Let’s have fun and do what thrills you. Please don’t waste another day…” ~Morcheeba, Let it Go

When I surrender to what life presents and allow space, hardly anything equates to a disaster. It’s just seemingly inconvenient.

We get to practice patience while waiting in line. Let go of an expected timeline so you can relax and go with the flow.

Waiting in line is a wonderful way to get to know folks in your community. I meet the most interesting, kindhearted people that way.

We can set boundaries when we don’t get what we expected. Like when I rented an unclean Airbnb, for example. Not only did I get to stand up for myself, but I also got to see the humor in the mess. Now I have plenty of entertaining material to write about.

We choose how we perceive things.

Sometimes our perception is askew. If I hadn’t used that word and heard him reflect back to me, I might have continued unwarranted dramatic reactions to events and circumstances.

He stopped me in my tracks, made me look inside myself, and elicited a transformation of thought and action.

I would’ve wallowed in my misery instead of admiring the clouds in the powder-blue New Mexico sky.

I would’ve been stuck complaining instead of enjoying the present moment experiences, like talking to him. This guy is amazing. Why would I want to spend our quality phone time talking about all the bad stuff?

Listening is key.

If I wasn’t in the right headspace to receive the message, it would’ve passed me by. Had I not considered the messenger an important and influential person in my life, I might have dismissed it or defended my misery.

The Universe sends us timely message from all the right people. We don’t have to try too hard to find them. As long as we’re paying attention, we’ll hear exactly what we need to hear.

Timing is perfect.

Funny how life gives us nuggets in short snippets of time. Our conversation was 11 minutes. I was somewhat frenetic, settling into my new home, single parenting my tired children. But right timing naturally brings insight with zero effort.

Inspiration happens everywhere.

Desert plants protect themselves with thorns and barbs all over Albuquerque. I walked barefoot on our hiking path and avoided getting anything stuck in my feet. The trail was lined with cacti in bloom and it was a glorious sunny day.

What if I got a thorn in my toe? Would my hike be classified as a disaster? Hell no. I would yank that sucker out and continue on my path.

Nature reminded me of my lesson the day before. I choose how I see the world. And for today, I see it all as beautiful.

Let’s stay in touch. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or my personal blog at gratefulx365.wordpress.com. Submit your amazing stories to my Medium publication, Gratefully Yours.