The Power Of Words In Motherhood

In my mompreneur life, I have to play with words to craft a corporate identity… tag lines, mission statements, web copy, articles, blog posts, books, and marketing messaging.

In my mommy life, I must clearly and lovingly discuss principles that will shape my daughters’ lives.

Communicating my feelings effectively is the key to all my relationships with others. 

The right words ALWAYS make a difference in business and in life in general. Whether it is self talk, written or spoken communication, words have the power to heal or hurt, inspire or put down, unite or divide, show love or hate, influence for better or for worse…

Yesterday, my friend and business partner sent me this video and, after crying and being overwhelmed with gratitude, I decided to share it with you all. Enjoy!

I have always been a word-geek. At a very early age, I made money writing letters for my classmates and older kids in my school. I cashed in on my penmanship and my ability to write apology letters, love letters, like letters, don’t wanna be friends anymore letters, can we be friends letters, motivational letters and even confrontational letters.

My favorite game of all times was a made up word game, and my brother and I even made up our own crossword puzzles.

I love reading and writing, but boy do I love to talk, too! I am just a little big cheerleader of self’-expression!

With that being said, I have a confession to make. It is so disturbing sometimes to hear some express their feelings.

In Spanish, we have many ways to say “I love you” and each denotes a different level of closeness and commitment, as well as the type of loving relationship you have with that person ― whether it is romantic love, lust, or friendly admiration, for example.

In English, we “love” eating, going to the movies, our job,  a sport, a color, a brand, our children, and our significant other. Some of those statements have completely different universes of intention and meaning…

How is one to know  how and how much we are loved?

Use “I” Statements.  I am not moved by “sorry“, “miss you” and “love you”  ―  they just don’t sound heartfelt to me. When you say “I am sorry”, you are both owning and expressing your emotions.

Expand. To add meaning to words, add more words! lol It makes a difference to hear exactly what someone loves or appreciates about me or the specific value I bring to their life.

Act. They say actions speak louder than words. They are right. I believe when Mahatma Gandhi said “Action Expresses Priorities”  and when my friend (and cherished student) Egide Thein perfectly stated “the most often expressed priority is inaction” they were both talking about “LOVE” as a verb.

Did is a word of achievement,
Won’t is a word of retreat.
Might is a word of bereavement,
Can’t is a word of defeat.
Ought is a word of duty,
Try is a word each hour.
Will is a word of beauty,
Can is a word of power.
~Anonymous

I found this poem during my morning reading routine and it got me to thinking about how words manifest our deepest intentions, thoughts, plans and desires.

In carefully choosing our words, we are becoming more aware of what intentions we are holding, which will ultimately influence our actions, our habits, our outcomes.

WARNING! Dangerous Words ~ Keep Away! Click here for a list of words I find “negative” and encourage myself, my children, and everyone to avoid.

Do our words sound meaningful and clear?
Do our actions reflect  that a sport, game, activity, job, social group, or meal as our priority?

[ela]