As I sit here this Sunday morning, I find myself thinking about something simple yet incredibly powerful: our words. It’s a concept we learn as children, but one that gains deeper meaning as we move through life. The words we choose to speak, write, or even think have an energy all their own. They matter.
Think about the last time someone said something that truly lifted your spirits. Maybe it was a simple compliment, a word of encouragement when you were struggling, or a heartfelt "I appreciate you." Those words likely changed the course of your day, didn't they? They can act like a warm hug, a ray of sunshine on a cloudy afternoon, or the gentle push we need to keep going. A kind word has the power to build someone up, to make them feel seen and valued.
On the other hand, we've all felt the sting of a careless or unkind remark. Words can land with a heavy weight, creating ripples of doubt or hurt that last long after they are spoken. Whether intentional or not, negative words have the power to diminish, to wound, and to create distance between us.
This is why being mindful of our words is such a vital practice. It's not about being perfect or never saying the wrong thing. It’s about intention. It’s about taking a small pause before we speak to consider the impact our words might have. How we say something is often just as important as what we say. A phrase delivered with kindness and empathy can be received completely differently than the same phrase spoken with impatience or frustration.
Our words are a reflection of what's in our hearts. When we fill our own cups with gratitude and compassion, the words that flow from us are more likely to be positive and nurturing. They become a gift we can offer freely to our families, friends, colleagues, and even strangers we meet throughout the day.
This week, I invite you to join me in a small reflection. Let's pay attention to the words we use. Let’s choose them with care, with intention, and with a desire to leave people feeling a little better than we found them. Let's see if we can use our words to build bridges, to heal, and to spread a little more light in the world.
💛Christiana
