What Are You Telling Yourself?

‘What did you forget?’ A friend asked me as I went back inside to grab a pair of socks for my trip.

Did I forget to pack the socks the night before? Or did I remember to take them with me just as I was getting in the car?

It’s about language you choose to use.

In the example above, using the word ‘forget’ implies that I have a bad memory.  Using the word ‘remember’ indicates that I am able to recall what I need before I need it.

Do you choose to do laundry and feed your family or is it something you have to do?

Choose to vs have to is another example of the use of language and the impact it has. Accepting that it is your choice to do the laundry and feed your family implies that it is a privilege rather than something that has to be done. Have to or has to indicate that is something that is forced upon you and is an obligation.

The examples above indicate how language can play a role in our subconscious thinking.

Are you aware of the language you use on a daily basis and the impact it has on your functioning and perspective?

Having a more positive use of language makes you feel better. It is not something that will change overnight but the more you become aware of it, the more you can begin to make small changes that will positively impact your life.

The use of should vs could is another example. ‘Should’ indicates an obligation and criticising; where ‘could’ implies that you have a choice.

What are you saying to yourself by the language that you choose to use? Are you being kind to yourself and reframing that you have choices in your life which can cause you to create your own reality? Or is it a heavy obligation and ciritcism?

The choice is yours.