Speech to Change Your Thinking

Our thoughts produce the words we choose. Few would argue this assertion.

Can this work in reverse? Can the words we choose effect our thought patterns? The relationship between thought patterns and rhetoric is reciprocal, a two-way street. Research shows smiling as more than just a product of positive thoughts, smiling actually induces positive thoughts. Our words have much the same relationship.

Think of your thought/speech relationship as a boomerang rather than a baseball...bare with me. We assume that our words are produced in our thoughts and broadcast forth via our speech and writing, never to return. Think rather, that your words go out into the world, affect those they encounter, and then return to the source. You are subject to the tone and mood of your own words significantly more than those of anyone else.

Its time to craft our words to improve our thinking.

We have an epidemic of people with self-esteem, self-worth, and body image issues. In parallel and in conjunction, we have an epidemic of people who never realize their dreams, paralyzed into inaction by fear and self-detracting thoughts. No more.

Learn to describe yourself, others, and circumstances (whether any of these be positive or negative) as temporary states of being. Everything is in a state of constant flux. Nothing is a foregone conclusion. Let our speech, and ultimately our thoughts, reflect this.

Using words that reflect our present state as temporary removes descriptors from our identity. Rather that attaching characteristics or details to who we are, we should describe our present emotions, thoughts, and physical attributions as impermanent, even fleeting. We remain subject to change at anytime, let us change our speech to reflect this. 

Acknowledging the impermanence of your present state empowers you to change it, rather than accept it.

I am fat. I have an unhealthy amount of body fat. Which way of describing yourself reflects acceptance? Which way reflects the ability to change it? Don't let fat be part of who you are. Simply let it describe your current state of being and know that it can and will change.

She is stubborn. She is behaving stubbornly (Or, she behaves stubbornly often). Which one reflects my permanent judgment of her? Which acknowledges that her actions are only indicative of her behavior at the moment (or at many moments). The way we chose to describe others affects our judgment of them. We would never want someone to assume the way we conducted ourselves in one situation to reflect a permanent part of our identity. Give others this same courtesy in how you describe them.

This is difficult. I am facing challenges right now. Your current project will present you with challenges. Do not view it as inherently difficult.

I am angry. I feel angry. Do you want anger to be a permanent part of your identity? Don't describe it as such. Which of these better implies that anger is an emotion that we can understand and will eventually pass? 

Learn to describe yourself and others in a way that reflects the impermanence of our thoughts, emotions, and physical attributes. You will develop a healthier sense of self and eliminate judgment and prejudice from your view of others.

Learn to describe each situation as temporary rather than a foregone conclusion. You will develop an empowered motivation to attack the hurdles in front of you rather than viewing yourself as the victim of circumstance.

Our words have a profound effect on the way we see the world and our place in it. A little change in rhetoric goes a long way.

Let your words be uplifting rather than defeating.

Let your words be empowering rather hampering.

A better life lays in the way we describe it.