“Words are things. You must be careful, careful about calling people out of their names, using racial perjoratives and sexual pejoratives and all that ignorance. Don’t do that. – Maya Angelou

I believe in the power of words. I attended a workshop years ago where they asked us to observe everything we said for an entire day. Every time I said something negative, I was supposed to say “cancel reprogram” to myself and then replace the negative word with something positive.

I couldn’t believe how many negative things came out of my mouth in the period of 24 hours. I always thought I was a positive person but that exercise made me realize how negative I actually was. Since I took that workshop almost 15 years ago, I have been very conscious of the language I use. Especially my “self talk.”

Some of things that I said to myself were “matter of fact.” Sadly, most of the negativity came out of habit. I caught myself saying, “You suck.” “I’m such an idiot.” or “This is impossible.” or “I’ll never get this.” No wonder things didn’t come easy to me when I was younger.

I watched a brilliant documentary today about poet and author and a wise and beautiful soul, Maya Angelou. She says…

“Some day we’ll be able to measure the power of words. I think they are things. They get on the walls. They get in your wallpaper. They get in your rugs, in your upholstery, and your clothes, and finally in to you.” – Maya Angelou

After years of observing the words that I use as well as the words used by others, I’ve also come to the conclusion that words are things. I’ve noticed that words can shape you because when the words you use are repeated enough, they end up becoming your beliefs. And over time, your words eventually become “you” and people’s perception of who you are.

The words you choose can be limiting or empowering. They also have a negative or positive impact on the people and the world around you. Choose your words carefully.