You can change people’s lives by planting positive seeds with your words

This week I’ve been reading a book called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

It got me thinking about the power of our words, both over ourselves and others. It can take just one sentence to change someone’s life, for better or for worse. We can all take people’s comments to heart and that can change the path of our lives. For instance, I did not think I could write, but when my therapist commented on how well I wrote emails, it changed something in me. I thought, oh maybe I can write. That then lead to me trying to write a blog, something which I’m now very proud of.

I find it quite amazing how such a simple thing – our words, which we use constantly, can have so much power. I believe we need to be considerate of this power and use it wisely. I think this is particularly important in regards to our children. Words, which could easily be said in the heat of the moment could imprint on a young child (who believes everything an adult tells them). For example, you’ve had a terrible day at work and have a horrible headache. You come home to your child, who is singing their heart out – it just grinds on you and makes your head hurt even more. You say “Your voice is terrible, don’t sing.” Those words could then be imprinted on your child and although they could have a lovely singing voice, they will always believe their voice is terrible.

I’m going to use this lesson to be as mindful as possible with the words I use, to myself, my son and anyone else I meet.