The power of language can often be underestimated. But here, life coach Jane Milne explores how we can truly harness the communication possibilities that words and phrases offer in our everyday lives, to benefit our wellbeing
We all understand the power of words. We’re much more likely to feel better and behave in ways that improve our general wellbeing when our spoken language and our thoughts are armed with a positive vocabulary.
It’s more important now than ever that we talk to ourselves, and others, with compassion and kindness. The more we can learn to do that, the more likely we are to take positive actions to improve our wellbeing, and the happier we’re going to be. Of course, it takes practise! But the results make the effort more than worthwhile. Here are some tips on how to get started...
1. Notice what you say and how you say it
Becoming aware of the words and phrases you’re regularly using is an important first step. Start to really tune-in, not just to what you’re saying, but also your tone of voice – especially when you’re being critical of yourself or others. It’s a good idea to keep track by making notes in a journal as this really helps to shine a light on the words and phrases that repeatedly crop up when you’re being hard on yourself, and also gives you a list to work with.
Nobody’s list of words and phrases will be exactly the same, but there are some which appear time and again, such as ‘should’, ‘failed’, ‘wasn’t good enough’, ‘hopeless’, ‘can’t’. Think about how you would speak to someone you care about; would you use this sort of language? Or would you be more positive and encouraging?
2. Say “Shh!” to ‘should’
“I should exercise more,” “I should work harder,” “I should visit my mother more often.”
‘Should’ is one of the most critical words in your everyday vocabulary. It’s basically a shortcut for many underlying negative feelings (frustration, shame, guilt, or regret) and by saying it you can feel demoralised and undermined.
It’s difficult to wipe out ‘should’ completely – all those years of that seemingly innocuous little word being such an integral part of your internal and external dialogue make doing that quite a challenge. But you can reduce its power by being more aware of when and why you use it, then practise using alternatives instead.
3. See obstacles as the path
Changing our language so that obstacles in our lives become our path can be really helpful. My mother was recently moved into a nursing home and I’m going through the emotional process of clearing out her house ready for sale. To begin with, I was struggling to get going. “I don’t want to go through mum’s things. It’s going to be too painful. I just can’t do it!”
I noticed the negative language cropping up in my journal. How could I reframe it? I started to think about what I would discover while I was working my way through mum’s things, what joyful memories would be sparked, and acknowledged that feeling sad at times would be inevitable. As soon as I changed the words I was using from, “I hate this, it’s not fair, it’s too hard,” to, “I have to do this, there are going to be some happy memories, it’s natural that I’ll sometimes feel sad,” I felt empowered and ready to meet the challenge of the task in hand.
4. Keep on experimenting
The process is ongoing. Being aware of the negative or critical language you’re habitually using and switching to more compassionate and positive words and phrases does take a bit of practise, but it’s well worth the effort. And it’s right there for the taking, for all of us.
