"Our words have power. They impact others, but they also impact us." (Michael Hyatt)

Over the years, my words have been both a blessing and a curse to those who have received them. When I am in a kind mood, I am generous with helping others to realize their God-given potential with an assortment of comments (and compliments) that are guaranteed to leave the receiver with a smile.

On the other side of my communication, when I am in a loud, angry, blunt mood, both humans (and animals) want to get as far away from me as quickly as they can. Being a tall, thin big guy works to my advantage (along with the volume of my voice) makes me seem much more intimidating than I am during these times. I have a clever intelligent answer for discussion you throw my way.

Extreme anger brings out the profanely (as well as my face turning bright pink as the fury of the moment shows on my face). I am ashamed to think of the many people I have scarred emotionally with my fits of rage. Even when I appear relatively calm in a disagreement, my words are used like knives to wound. This is not very godly on my part?

The following quote byitsalovelylife.com is something that you should all remember: “Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can only be forgiven not forgotten.” Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) says: Words kill, [and] words give life. They’re either poison or fruit. You choose. Often, you can say (or think) unhelpful phrases to yourself that you would never communicate to someone else. This can force our mindset to becoming negative and self-defeating, which. Destroys the future positive dreams you have for ourselves.

The saying, “If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say anything at all” doesn’t only apply to others. It also applies to the things you say to yourself. Below are fifteen negative phrases that intelligent people never say to themselves (with their correct positive alternatives):

Stop saying: I can’t do it.

Start saying: I will do it.
This is the most depressing, discouraging thing you could ever say. Because when you start saying this, you tend to declare it. If you believe you cannot, how would you?

Stop saying: I’m worthless.

Start saying: I’m worth it.
You might have heard this before, but it’s time to understand what it means. You were born for a reason. This automatically makes you worthy. A tiny ant has an impact on maintaining environmental balance, and you doubt yourself? Being worthy was never a choice. It’s a birthright.

Stop saying: I can never be like [person you admire].

Start saying: I’m the best version of me.
The biggest mistake you do is comparing yourself with others. Why do you even want to become like someone else, when you’re perfect at being you. Everybody is unique. Everybody has their own set of challenges. If you dislike something about yourself and like something about others, learn to develop that thing in you. But do not try to mimic them or change yourself. That’s won’t work out. People don’t change. People grow and evolve.

Stop saying: I must be perfect.

Start saying: I’m imperfectly perfect.
Your imperfections make you perfect. Your imperfections make you the individual you are. Stop hiding your flaws, and start accepting them. Because if you didn’t have those flaws, those scars, those imperfections, who would you be? The world doesn’t reward perfectionists. The sooner you begin to accept your flaws, the sooner you become flawless.

Stop saying: I’m not good enough.

Start saying: I have what it takes.
Who says you’re not good enough? Saying such things to yourself will just make you feel incapable. It’s not going to benefit you in any way. Start believing in yourself

Stop saying: I’m a loser.

Start saying: I’m a learner.
Stop hurting yourself. Every mistake you commit, teaches you something worthwhile. It teaches you ways of what not to do. Every success story has a trial of failures. So you have got to learn from mistakes and try again.

Stop saying: I can’t believe that happened.

Start saying: That has happened.
Acceptance is the key to moving on. It’s already happened. You can cry over it, but you cannot change it. And mourning over it doesn’t change it either. The only thing feasible is to get over it. Move on and get going.

Stop saying: I’m not worthy of love.

Start saying: I love myself, and I deserve it.
Mark 12:31 (TPT) says: …You must love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself. You will never find a greater commandment than these. How do you love others if you don’t have love for yourself? A good thing about love is its abundance, and this verse says to begin with you.

Stop saying: I’ll do it later.

Start saying: I’m doing it right now.

As they say, the pain of discipline is lesser than the pain of regret of not doing it. And you know, later becomes never. Tomorrow never comes. Stop procrastinating. Stop finding excuses. You will end up in a messed up situation and do it anyway. So, get things done now.

Stop saying: What they think and say about me matters.

Start saying: I don’t care what they say about me.
When was the last time you did something for yourself without caring about others or social norms in general? What would you do if you knew nobody was judging you? No matter what you do, people always have something to talk about you when you leave the room. So, why care? Don’t give them the authority to crush your dreams. For once, do what your heart craves for, and you will feel free. You won’t find the negativity pertaining around you, judging you, or whatsoever.

Stop saying: I’m alone.

Start saying: I’m not alone in being alone.
None of us can make it through life all alone. I know everybody is fighting their battles, but few of us are actually dealing with the same difficulties, or experiencing the same emotion. If you could talk to someone who can relate to you that is helpful. If you cannot, don’t dump your mind with negative talk. Remember, everybody feels miserable, and it’s okay to feel that.

Stop saying: I can’t forgive them.

Start saying: I should forgive for my wellbeing.
Stop holding grudges. Don’t lead your life with hatred in your heart. This is just another way of hurting yourself. I’m not asking you to forgive them because they were right or wrong. Forgive them ’because this will put you at peace. Liberate yourself. Forgive even though you may never forget.

Stop saying: I hate myself.

Start saying: I’m worthy of love.
If you hate yourself, you will attract people who look onto you with contempt. Start giving love to yourself and you’ll attract love.

Stop saying: I think love is a lie.

Start saying: I think I should give love a chance.
Stop rejecting prospective relationships just because your past relationships didn’t work. You fell in love, and maybe you got your heart broken. You’ve grown as an individual because of this love cycle. Relationships are learning experiences. If you start with the belief that the relationship will end up in heartache, it probably will. Give love a chance. Today, drop all the problems from the past

Stop saying: I wish I had.

Start saying: I’m thankful I have [whatever it is].
Be grateful for what you have as well as the little things in life. Life has a way of constantly changing. What is yours now, may be lost to you in the future. Enjoy whatever it 9or they) is while it is with you in the present.

“The power of words is immense. A well-chosen word has often sufficed to stop a flying army, to change defeat into victory and to save an empire.” (Emile de Girardin)[i]

[i] Adapted from:

· “10 things smart people never say” by Travis Bradberry

· “15 Negative Things You Must Stop Saying to Yourself This Moment!” by MissionSelf!”

Encourage Me

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Power