LIFE LESSONS | SET 4:2
DAY 2
THE ART OF THOUGHTFUL WORDS
As we continue our kindness journey, let's focus on the impact of words. Today is all about expressing kindness through thoughtful and uplifting language.
• GRAB YOUR JOURNAL AND ANSWER THIS ONE •
What is a compliment or kind words you've recently given or received?
Write a heartfelt note or send a kind message to someone who could use a boost.
THOUGHTFUL WORDS: CRAFTING KINDNESS
Words are powerful tools. They can build up or tear down, heal or hurt, inspire or discourage. As we navigate our daily interactions, the words we choose play a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere around us and the relationships we build.
Imagine you're working on a group project, and one of your teammates is struggling with their part. You could say, "You're not doing it right. Let me do it instead." Or you could say, "I see you're having some trouble. How about we work on this part together?" The first response might make your teammate feel inadequate and discouraged, while the second creates an opportunity for collaboration and growth.
The art of using thoughtful words involves more than just being polite. It's about being mindful of the impact our words can have on others. When Paw worked at the Mental Health Center in Marshfield, and I volunteered there, we were given some fabulous in-service training from psychiatrists and psychologists from the Marshfield Clinic. Here are a few tips we learned that really helped us get a handle on this and start our life-long marriage with pretty good communication habits.
Practice empathy: Before speaking, try to put yourself in the other person's shoes. How would you want to be spoken to if you were in their situation?
Offer sincere compliments: Look for opportunities to genuinely praise others. A heartfelt compliment can brighten someone's day and boost their confidence.
Choose positive framing: Instead of focusing on problems, try to frame situations in a positive light. For instance, rather than saying "Stop procrastinating," you could say "I'm looking forward to seeing you finish this."
Listen actively: This is our favorite. Paw says, “Listening is loving.” Sometimes, the kindest words are the ones we don't say. Practice listening attentively to others without interrupting or immediately offering advice.
Use "I" statements: Paw is an I statement fiend. Instead of saying "You always..." or "You never...", try expressing your feelings using "I" statements. For example, "I feel frustrated when..." This approach is less accusatory and more open to dialogue. He was like a hawk always correcting me until I stopped, but occasionally managed to violate it knowingly to exaggerate a point. He also launched in-service training for our kids and put them through the same drill. He knew they understood when Maggie and Mollie started correcting us on our absolutistic language.
Remember, the words we use not only affect others but also shape our own mindset. By consistently choosing kind and thoughtful words, we create a positive environment that nurtures both ourselves and the people around us. If you don’t believe me, have a conversation with AI. The politeness and respect are next level. Imagine how different and sweet life would be if everyone was so thoughtful in their communication. It starts with us!
As you go through your day, pay attention to the words you use. Challenge yourself to craft your speech with kindness, and watch how it transforms your interactions and relationships. Your words have the power to make a difference – use them wisely. - Granny & Paw
Start a "Compliment Chain" among family, friends, or colleagues. We often do this as part of our Thanksgiving celebration. Each person takes a piece of paper and writes their name at the top. They pass it to the person to their left. Then they receive the paper from the person on their right. Everyone writes a sincere compliment about the person whose name is at the top. Then all the papers are passed once more to the left, and so on until they are returned to the owner. Then that person writes a compliment about themselves.
We take turns reading them aloud but you don’t have to. Have kleenex nearby. I first heard about this activity in a magazine article about a teacher who did this with her middle school students. When there was a big celebration for her 50th anniversary of being a teacher, many of her past students came. Almost all of them were so proud to show her they had kept that list of kind words from their classmates for all those years. We are all starving for love and you have the power to create it. We know you will and we love you. - Granny & Paw