The Power of Words

Yesterday I facilitated an Unlocking Negativity workshop for a group of kids who were eager to strip away the negative labels branded on them by people in their lives who were ignorant to the damage their mere words could cause to a developing self-esteem. Each child began tearing down their individual emotional walls with a loud "I am NOT. . ." and filled in the blank with all sorts of discouraging, hurtful, disrespectful, and demeaning comments, phases, and adjectives; each more degrading than the last. Nevertheless, the children were glowing as they realized the negative things being said to them did not define them and they had a choice to accept or deny the labels others were trying to impose upon them. When we discussed what made them feel free they celebrated love, relationships that built them up, individuals that believed in them, and opportunities to help others. These kiddos were taking out they're emotional trash never to pick it up again and replacing it with positive self-talk and recognized self-worth.

My heart was overcome with joy! The smiles on their faces as they opened up and shared freely could have illuminated an entire room from wall to wall! Triumphant these young people had gotten a taste of what being loved on felt like and the courage in using their voices and they wanted more of it! When the class wrapped, a happy group of little people surrounded me with arms open wide ready to receive a well earned good job hug, of which I was more than happy to give before we parted ways. So often we are blind to the impact our words can have on the lives and hearts of those around us.

Instead of guarding our words, thinking before we unleash hurtful messages out onto an unsuspecting loved one, coworker, child, or friend we selfishly hide behind "freedom of speech." The freedom to speak is not permission to batter others, break their spirits, or tear them down it's the right and privilege to speak life into an individual at anytime and in any place to help build him/her back up. It is said that life or death rest in the tongue. Don't take someone else's life by carelessly using your right to speak as the right to abuse. We are better than that! Good journey! ~ Tay (L.I.F.E with Purpose)