Your Words Determine the Quality of your Life
(A section from my upcoming book “90 Days, a Paradigm change”)
A blind man was sitting on the street with a sign that read, “I’m blind, please help.” A few people dropped a coin in the tin he had beside him. Then a young woman came by and knelt down, took his sign and wrote something on the back side and replaced it. Immediately, almost everyone that came by dropped coins in the tin. Later the young woman returned to check on the blind man. He asked her what she did to his sign. Here is what she wrote, “It is a beautiful day, but I can’t see it.” The power of words can’t be overstated. Here are five ways to “Change your words and change your life:”
Quit using condemning words: Instead of condemning others for the things they do, try finding things about them that you appreciate, and tell them. We all have faults that turn others off, but it is never our place to scold other adults about their faults. It’s like saying “I’m the adult, and you are the child, and here is what you need to change.” No adult wants to be made to feel as a child who needs adult supervision even though some may act like they need supervision. The truth is that we all have a fulltime job managing our own faults without condemning other’s faults and trying to fix them.
Quit complaining: We have all complained at times, and sometimes there may be a legitimate reason, but most of the time our complaining is just mouthing un-needed words, which often turn those around us off as well as cultivating a negative attitude. Complaining is common, but its counterpart “appreciation” is rare. Instead of complaining, try finding things you appreciate, and expressing your gratitude to others. It will set you apart and change your attitude about life. You will begin to see the quality of life that was previously obscured by your complaining.
Quit criticizing others: Never talk about another person unless it is positive appreciation. Make it your habit only to talk to others rather than talking about them behind their back. Although others may be anxious to hear some juicy gossip, they will think less of you for sharing it and trust you less. After all, they may be your next victim. Some have the habit of criticism others to their face, believing that always expressing their critical feelings is a form of honesty. Actually, there is a time to express criticism, but only when it is the other person’s best interest, and then it must be with a loving spirit. If you insist on always telling others how you feel, you will wind up with no friends to criticize.
Control the use of profanity: I don’t use profanity because I think that I have a strong enough vocabulary to express myself without it. I don’t use it because I know that it offends some. I don’t use it because I believe that the Bible forbids it.
Avoid hateful, unkind words: Hateful, unkind words drive people away. You acquire the reputation of being a cantankerous, hard to get along with person whom others had rather not to be around. There is a certain movie star, whose name I won’t mention, whose films I have enjoyed, but according to those who have worked with him, he is so hard to get along with and is so negative that no one wants to be around him. That is the example of a dark sided personality. The bright side is a person who uses kind and loving words that show respect and concern for others. Which personality do you think produces a happy, peaceful life, with friends who care for you?
Conclusion: Words are powerful! “Change your Words and Change your Life.” Train yourself to use the right words for each occasion and see what a difference it makes in your relationships and your attitude toward life.
About the author: // ]]>
Jimmie Burroughs is a author, motivational speaker, and child of God who has been involved in teaching Christian Personal Development for more than 30 years. There are hundreds of articles to help you on this website, Website Contents , in your personal growth. If I can help you personally, please send your concerns via: Contact me. Use the site map on the navigational bar at the top of the page to select articles by category. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Website DIVISIONS (Over 600 articles to help you to grow in every facet of your life) 
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