The words we use are important.
Thoughts on words and language we use.
I have been quiet recently. I constantly try to find the right words to describe what I mean, think, and feel. I have thought about the words and language I use more than ever. Some people told me that they read my newsletter and that it inspired them to pursue things, give their careers one more chance, and change something they no longer like. That made me think about what I share. I want to continue sharing, and suddenly, the thought that people actually read it scares me as if it were not the goal. I want to find the right words. I want to be precise, inclusive, and kind in my words.
Have you ever noticed how often mentors, therapists and coaches ask for clarification? "What do you mean by that?" they might inquire. It's a simple question with a profound purpose. They're seeking to understand our unique perspective, to grasp the nuances of our experiences. This is where the power of language becomes evident. The words we describe our world directly influence how we perceive and interact with it.
Language is thinking. Our thoughts are constructed through words, shaped by the vocabulary we have at our disposal. It is the medium through which our inner world takes form.
Language is framing. How we describe reality, the words we choose to employ, create the frames through which we perceive the world. Our language determines what we focus on, what we ignore, and, ultimately, how we understand our experiences.
Language is perception. The words we use shape how we see ourselves and others. They influence our judgments, our biases, and our worldview. Language is the lens through which we experience life.
Language is perspective. Every word carries within it a perspective, a viewpoint. The language we use reveals our values, our beliefs, and our assumptions about the world. It is a mirror of our inner landscape.
Language is design. We can consciously craft language to shape our reality, influence others, and create the world we envision. Words are how we build our personal narratives and collective futures.
Instead of "I am lost," perhaps we are "I haven't figured it out yet." Rather than feeling "incapable," we might acknowledge needing support to navigate a challenge. Small shifts can significantly alter our mindset.
For instance, replacing "I have to" with "I choose to" can empower us to own our decisions and actions.
When we choose our words, we choose who we are. We choose to be in control. We decide how we want to handle the situation. We choose what we want to hear. By choosing our words, we can be a cautious and active shaper of our reality.
You may be curious about one of my most popular pieces: Slow to anger and slow to judge.
As the world is constantly changing, I am trying to challenge my own perspectives. Here is a piece where I tried to see my career as a story.
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