Today I saw a Facebook Status that was worthy of being shared. As a matter of fact I actually did a screen shot on my phone and text it to a few friends. The status update was from The Happy Black Woman Community (Don’t you love that name?) and said, “TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: I am in the process of bringing more money into my life. I do not use the word “broke” because it does not empower me” Great affirmation right? Given my current work situation, Furloughed =20 % cut in hours = 20% pay cut, this message from The Happy Black Woman was right on time.
I like the idea of not saying words that don’t empower you. Words are important you can deliver the same message gently or harshly with the right words. Most of us practice negative self talk from time to time. Very often I can catch myself doing it and cut it out. This affirmation makes me realized that there are times when I may be engaging in negative self talk and not even realizing it. I am likely sending myself all kinds of negative vibes by choosing words that deflate me instead of empowering me.
In the spirit of The Happy Black Woman’s Affirmation, here are 5 words that I am eliminating from my vocabulary:
- Broke – The Happy Black Woman said it best. The word broke does not empower.
- Poor – I won’t describe myself as poor. It has a certain permanence to it. It invokes a feeling of hopelessness, that the present condition of low funds is permanent and unchanging.
- Kind Of, Sort of, and Basically – I use these words interchangeably. I say them to distance myself from things that I am doing that I don’t feel 100% confident about. Examples: I kind of have this blog, I’m basically starting a business, I sort of do freelance writing; you get the idea. I find myself doing this when I am not sure of the other persons’ opinions on my activities. I need to speak confidently as I am carving out my own path towards Joy.
- Not – I will stop describing myself in terms of what I am not. I have been known to say, “I am not disciplined, I am not friendly, I am not a good housekeeper, etc…” With all of the things that I am it does not make sense to describe myself in terms of what I am not.
- Try – Try is another word I use to distance myself from things. Try is a verbal lack of commitment. I am trying to lose weight, I am trying to get in shape, I am trying to get more sleep, etc… You get the idea.
I have a friend who has tried to take out the words "should have" "could have" "would have" – it definitely takes a little bit of effort, but now every time I hear myself saying one of them I think twice.
Oh Chrystina, those are good ones. I need to add "I should have" to my list
Love this one Arlett, it's so true how words can make or break our lives. Should is another I would add to your list 🙂
You are so right Lisa. "I should have" does need to get cut from my vocabulary. I am always saying it negatively.