Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful. ~Norman Vincent Peale
The words we speak reveal a lot about us—our attitudes, beliefs, feelings, and expectations. Our words not only communicate what we want others to hear, but they have the power to influence and make a real impact on people and situations. We can use our words to encourage and motivate just as we can use them to weaken or defeat ourselves and others. Every day we have the opportunity to speak what is in our hearts and on our minds. Oftentimes, we don’t even think about what we’re going to say. And, we don’t take the time to reflect on it. As we do, we will learn how our manner of speech contributes to our happiness.
Activity 1.
Whether we realize it or not, we are always talking to ourselves in a positive or negative way about ourselves, others and the world around us. As our internal dialogue becomes more positive, we view ourselves and the world more positively.
In this activity, we can practice happiness by speaking good things over ourselves and others. We call them affirmations because they affirm (or declare) something positive and good. We actually do this often and might not even know it. We tell ourselves things like, “I can do this,” or “I always have bad luck.” And, we might say to others, “You are so talented,” or, ”You always get on my nerves.”
Affirmations are repeated over and over, and that’s what makes them stick. We start to really believe what we’re saying even if we don’t at first. So now we’re going to think about some affirmations we want to speak over our lives and that of others. Below, list at least (2) positive statements that you are willing to believe about yourself and affirm daily.
Something good that I want to affirm over my life is:
Idea: Begin your affirmation with I can…., I am…, or I will.
Activity 2.
In this activity, we can practice happiness by thinking about what we say and how we say it. We’ll make a conscious effort to be aware of how we talk to ourselves and others.
For one day, take notes of some of the things you say to yourself and others. Write down at least 2 to 3 statements. Feel free to write anything you wish.
For example: I’m really proud of you (with excitement, hug); I hate this job (repetitive internal dialogue, complaining, shaking head, angry, tense); I wish I could go to the party (pouting, feeling sorry for self).
At the end of the day look over your entries, and ask yourself:
Was I more optimistic and positive or critical and negative?
How often were my statements judgmental?
What was I feeling when I said what I did?
Is there something I wish I didn’t say? Or did say?
How did my words affect my mood and attitude?
How did my words affect others?
What did my body language communicate?
As you review your list, you should notice how your manner of speech affects your attitude and visa versa. Speaking words that are positive, hopeful, and uplifting create an atmosphere of peace, courage, love, and happiness. Negativity, criticism, blaming, and complaining make matters worse and keep contentment far away.
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