“Our language is the reflection of ourselves…language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.”

Cesar Chavez

During this time of ending one year and beginning a new one, we usually take time to reflect on the past, decide what we want to change in the future, and plan accordingly. (Or we just watch bowl games, eat, and go to a couple of parties.)  If you do happen to find yourself taking time to reflect and plan a change or two, then I would encourage you to reflect on the language you use, and plan to upgrade how you speak, generally to others, but especially to yourself.

To help with reflection, ask yourself, “Do my words express thoughts and beliefs of excitement for life and any challenges that come, or are they based more along the lines of dread, fear, and anxiety?”

We humans have a tendency to mimic or regurgitate the language of the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs we nourish most.  If you really want to know what you have immersed yourself in most, listen to the language of those you hang out with most, or the media you read, watch or listen to most.  The words we listen to and use most, truly are a reflection of ourselves.

I recently attended a family function, and had the opportunity to see relatives I hadn’t seen for a long time.  Within minutes of the gathering, I knew exactly who I wanted to be around and who I didn’t, simply by listening to the language folks used in one or two sentences.

Doom and gloom, fear and scarcity, offended and bitter, or love and abundance, joy and excitement, cheerfulness and lightheartedness?  Which would you rather be subjected to? Which would you rather be around? Which do you project?

For New Year’s Day, stop yourself from using the language of doom, gloom, and worry and replace it with love, gratitude, and cheer.  Then try it again on the 2^nd.

Boo Yah!