Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
What a load of you-know-what.
I was on the phone the other day having a conversation that repeats itself in many forms all too often. The person on the other end of the line says something and it makes me angry/irritated/frustrated/insert-favorite-angry-word-here.
Then I think to myself You know, if they had just said it this way, it would have made all the difference.
Words matter.
I find myself less irritable with words when I feel respected.
Here’s the thing, too….
I’m just as guilty.
And I know it.
So I’m trying to think before I speak, especially in hard things.
I’m trying to exude kindness even while saying things that could offend.
I’m trying to listen, stop, breathe, and then respond.
I’m trying to respect people with my words, not just my emotions.
I’m trying to visualize hugging the person first, then speaking.
Words matter.
Do your words encourage, uplift, and respect – even in hard things?