New Words For The New Year

Posted on December 28, 2008 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

This New Year, would you like to improve your relationships, while becoming a more positive and successful person at the same? If so, then understand (and embrace) that one of the most powerful things you can do to enhance your life is to learn how to control, and positively use, your words.

As you consider your list of New Year resolutions – consider putting on that list “Use Better Words!” The following are simple, yet powerful, ways for doing just that:

1) In various settings, practice choosing encouraging words instead of allowing negative expressions to come from your mouth. Concentrate on the qualities in others that you can affirm – and then choose to speak words that recognize and encourage those strengths and attributes.

Though easier said than done - this alone will do wonders to relieve stress and nurture your relationships. The words we choose can have a lasting effect for good or for evil. Think back when someone said something encouraging to you – or said something nasty. You probably still remember what they said…

This New Year, think about what kind of words you would like to plant in the heart and mind of those around you.

2) Avoid verbal combat. When someone gets angry, or starts to talk in a negative way toward you or others, be more careful how you respond. This year, practice waiting, and then choosing a positive and gentle response. Your reply may well be remembered for the rest of the other person’s life! 
Keep in mind
“a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

3) Be a little slower to speak. This year, try to listen more than you talk – and in doing do, think a little more about what you’re going to say before you say it. Don’t just blurt out what is on your mind. People who constantly chatter on and on about themselves and/or their opinions strain relationships. In addition, the more you talk, the more likely you will say something you regret later.

4. Work on carefully choosing uplifting thoughts. If you recorded your thinking on a CD, what title would you put on it? Our thoughts evidence themselves sooner or 
later in our conversations – for the Bible teaches, “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

5. Pray for wisdom. During the day, offer quick prayers seeking wisdom and guidance in your various conversations. One example of such a prayer is: “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” (Psalms 141:3)

This year, improve your life, relationships and career by choosing words that reflect wisdom, care, and a love toward others.

** AND EVERYONE – HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR!!!