Which problem seems more solvable to you?
I cannot believe that parent. I have NEVER been treated so horribly. This is the worst day ever. What a huge mess!
OR
I can tell that parent was upset. I wonder what triggered that?
A mentor once told me that using emotion-filled words are not helpful, in fact they are hurtful to problem-solving and relationships. Since hearing that, I have recognized that using emotion-filled words can be a roadblock to problem solving for me.
When we use words like never, worst, horribly, huge, always our problems can seem bigger than they are, they can seem insurmountable. When we focus on the facts of the situation and remove the emotional language, problems seem much more manageable.
Our choice of words has an affect on those around us. We can be a breath of fresh air and energize others, or we can be negative and emotional and bring others down with us. Let’s not deny that bad things happen, or that we can have a bad day. Emotional words exist in our language for a reason. Let’s just not use them often or inappropriately, for our own benefit and for the benefit of others.
Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. -Dalai Lama
Image source: https://robliano.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/complaints.jpg
Great reminder how powerful our words can be. I was always told I could choose how I wanted my day to go. But sometime forget how my reaction or action can make or break someone elses day. Some days can be alot of work.
As always, a useful and inspiring post. Our words can help shape our reality and we need to be careful with the words we use. Thanks for sharing!
Jon