Your New Glossary

“In the beginning was the word”. It is my intention to remind you that life is language. Whatever you say comes to you. In other words, when you speak you are broadcasting intention, meaning and vibration. It's a cliché perhaps, but the Law of Attraction is at work at all times. Whatever you speak will show up around you. Deepok Chopra says, "Every cell eavesdrops on your thoughts". I would also say your cells are eavesdropping on every word you speak because words have intention, meaning and vibration.

Sometimes we say things purely out of habit. In other words, we all have default language. Sometimes our default is learned language from our families, culture and environment. I decided to call this Blog your new glossary because glossary is such a fundamental concept. Become the observer of your words as you speak them. Notice the feeling in your body. Pay attention to how others respond to you. 

Get started today with this simple list. I know you will come up with other words that you are using daily as a result of this reminder.

Try

The great Yoda from Star Wars says, "Try not. Do or do not. There is no try". When you incorporate the word try into your sentences, it sabotages the brain. Dr. Leslie Hewitt, CEO of Club Menopause says, "While caring for patients in my Wellness Clinic for 20 years, I noticed the word try is one of the most common words used by people who do not recover quickly from pain syndromes". In addition to this blog about your new glossary, Dr. Leslie says she has a list of pain language that she will share in a future blog.

Like

This word is often overused. The word “like” is often used inappropriately by many individuals. For example, “Like, I’m going to the store and like...” and “I was, like, doing this thing, and like...” This word projects immaturity. Younger generations tend to use these phrases more often. Be careful that this does not become a verbal habit. 

Whatever, what have you, and all that

Whatever, what have you, and so on, etcetera and all that, are filler words that people will put at the end of sentences. It becomes a habit for many people to fill up space with language when they don't know how to end a thought without feeling like they need more words to make their point impactful or relevant. Less is more as they say, and it applies to sentence structure. Try to avoid these filler words and statements because they do not add substance to what you are conveying.

Does that make sense?

Many women end their statements with, “Does that make sense?” or Do you know what I mean?” We do this because we want to make sure we are understood, however this phrasing suggests you think you were incoherent. Instead, ask your listeners, “What are your thoughts; or say, “Let me know if you have questions about this” instead of undermining yourself and others.

Just

“I just want to check in and see…” or “I’m just concerned that…” We insert justs because we’re worried about coming on too strong, however they make the speaker sound defensive and tentative.

Actually

“I actually think…” or “I actually have a question.” Saying actually makes it sound like you are surprised that you have a question or that you disagree.  

Sorry, but…

Sorry to bother you but…” and “Sorry if this is a silly question, but…” Don’t apologize for taking up space and having something to say.

Just a minute and a little bit

I would like to take just a few minutes of your time” or “I’d like to tell you a little bit about our new product.” Be efficient and succinct, and drop the apologetic words about infringing on another person's time. What you have to share is important and worthwhile.

Kind of and almost

"I almost think we should go in a different direction” or “I kind of think the report should be reorganized this way". We tend to use these words when we are unsure about our ideas or worried about offending others, These qualifiers don’t really help with that, and in fact they just make our words less powerful. 

Undermining qualifiers

“I’m just thinking off the top of my head, but…” or “You all have been thinking about this a lot longer than I have, but…” or “I’m no expert, but…” Don’t tell people why what you are about to say is likely to be wrong. Lead with confidence in the knowledge that your ideas and insights matter. 

Uptalk

We often raise our pitch at the end of yes or no questions in the English language. When you raise your pitch at the end of a statement, it makes you sound tentative and questioning, like you are unsure about what you are saying. Begin to pay attention to lowering your tone at the end of your statements. Ground yourself as you speak. Manage your punctuation with articulation and craft the artistic beauty of your sentences like an artisan.

Rushing and piling on words

When we don’t feel we have the right to take up space in a conversation, we tend to rush through our words. We also tend to pile up phrases into one long run-on sentence with a string of random words instead of using concise sentences with clear endings. Short sentences and brief pauses between sentences inspire confidence and a sense of comfort in the role of speaker. Use your pauses to stay centered. Shorter sentences allows the listener to absorb what you are saying. When everyone has a moment to collect their thoughts, connection occurs. 

Shrinking your space

Notice if the way you sit or stand shrinks the amount of physical space you are taking up. Take up room, uncross your hands and arms, sit tall and make eye contact. Own your space and be mindful that communication happens in your body language too. 

CONCLUSION

Introspection is the key to personal development. Socrates says, “The unexamined life is not worth living". Will you review your glossary to leave behind mediocrity and step into greatness? Will you become a glossary catalyst and a change agent? 

Consider living your life with words that inspire the people around you. Also consider that your words teach people how to treat you. Use your words to breathe life into other people. The truth of who you are is unconditional love. You are love in the universe, and so love is the light that permeates through your being.

What if people who speak with you do not remain the same? Impart your words with the value you possess. Step fully into your language as one of the most impactful ways to offer influence for good and watch the world change around you as a result.