WORDS
Definition: A single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others to form a sentence and typically shown with a space on either side when written or printed. A phrase, express, formulate and name.
Well I have celebrated one year this week since launching my blog and website “Takin Time Out!” I was hoping to pick a WORD each week and write about how that WORD impacts my life, bringing back memories and sharing a few inspirational thoughts and feelings along the way. Unfortunately due to some unforeseen circumstances I had to skip a few weeks here and there but over all this is so much fun and therapeutic. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I have some new ideas and hoping to launch phase II in the upcoming months.
WORDS have such an important impact on our lives, not only the WORDS we hear, the WORDS we speak but WORDS can impact how we feel. They have such a positive or negative effect on our lives. It is important to realize we all have a choice in how we choose to react to those WORDS. For example if someone gives you a compliment do you straighten up, sit a bit taller and respond in a positive light by thanking them or do you have a tendency to slough off and downplay the compliment or point out something negative about yourself. What about WORDS people use for constructive criticism do you take those WORDS to heart and strive to improve, or do you get defensive and look to blame the situation or someone else? I know I have been guilty and strive to improve in both areas.
How many of you like to play games? So many come to mind that require WORDS, for example Scrabble can be so fun and great for your brain…it is challenging to use all those letters and create actual WORDS. How many times do we try to make up new WORDS…Lol! In this modern world we live in we now have “WORDS with Friends” where you can play anywhere anytime with friends all over the world. There is a fairly new game that is based on the old fashion game, Charades called “Heads Up”, Ellen DeGeneres plays frequently on her TV show and it can be downloaded on your smart phone. It is a blast and yes even a bit frustrating at times. My mother has always loved working Crossword puzzles they are way too challenging for me but my favorite is WORD search games, kind of like I spy…it’s is great for your brain no matter what game it might be, from stimulation, to keeping it active, focused and expanding your knowledge. Games can bring out the child in us; it creates a different energy one of fun, challenge and a form of relaxation. Kind a like “Takin Time Out!”
As I am sipping on my fresh cup of Peach tea, I have shared how I choose a WORD for the year to focus on, to heighten my awareness, to bring a stronger connection or develop how I want to live. That one simple WORD can be my compass, digging deeper and truly making an impact each year. If you haven’t tried it, I encourage you to consider. You don’t have to wait until the New Year begins today and see how it affects your daily life.
WORDS can speak to your soul, WORDS we speak in our sub-conscience mind has a direct impact on our daily life. That is why I feel it is so important to be in God’s WORD daily, to feed our heart, soul and mind with what he has to tell us. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God.” Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in WORD or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him “ I had a dear friend suggest I pick up and read the book by Max Lucado, “It’s Not About Me”. Wow she was she right, this book is filled with insightful and meaningful WORDS. WORDS we can apply to our everyday life, it can change your perspective and live according to God’s plan not my plan.
Speaking comes to most people as naturally as breathing. On many occasions our WORDS are uttered without conscious thought; in fact we rarely stop and think about what we are saying. Thousands of WORDS pour out of our mouths each day as our thoughts, opinions, and beliefs are freely expressed. As a women statistics indicated women usually use more WORDS than men. Often, however, we are oblivious to the positive or negative effect these WORDS have on ourselves and the people around us.
WORDS have tremendous power. WORDS give out energy and a message which creates a reaction in others. Everything you say produces an effect in the world. Whatever you say to someone else will produce some kind of an effect in that person. We are constantly creating something, either positive or negative with our WORDS. I therefore think we should learn to choose our WORDS wisely. Remember as a child, someone would say something hurtful to you and my mother would always tell me, “Sticks and Stones may break my bones but WORDS will never hurt me.” We have to learn to be Teflon and let it roll right off and move on.
I love how you type in the google search engine a WORD on my computer and up pops the meaning, depending on what you are digging for you rephrase it and you have a wealth of information right there at your fingertips. No more going to the library and searching through the card file or numerous books and encyclopedia’s. We use WORD on the computer to type letters, essays, notes and even my blog. WORDS can be short or very long; there is a saying about a little four letter WORD which usually was WORDS I wasn’t supposed to say. I will never forget when my son was only 4 he was helping his Dad hang a ceiling fan at his mother’s house. Stephen came running in Grandma Grandma you need to put Daddy in Time Out, she said oh my why? He said “cause he is sayin bad words”, Grandma smiled and said “what kinda words”, he said ” can’t say them cause they are bad but you just said one a few minutes ago.” We all had a good laugh but learned a great lesson. It’s best to keep those inside voice inside!
I can remember when my children were just learning to talk our anticipation to see if Momma or Dada would be there first WORD. It seems it would be those two and then quickly to “Mine”…everything is “mine” as they get into their two’s and three’s it shifted to “Why?” At a young age they have so many questions and inquisitive minds. Love the innocence and learning of a child…our WORDS can have such an impact on their life…once again let’s choose our WORDS wisely raise them up instead of tear them down! Be firm and consistent in our disciplining but praise them when they do well! How many of you have read “The Help” or saw the movie, I loved how Aibileen would rock and tell that sweet little girl, “You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important!” This is the end of August and school is starting back…teachers, coaches and administrators have a huge impact on the WORDS they speak and how a child learns and embrace their teaching. However, students also have choices and WORDS to say. We must stand firm on what we believe but we must also have respect and honor other people. WORDS…choose wisely! Sometimes the tongue can be wicked.
As I wrap it up for this week…remember as you may be “Takin Time Out!” how important WORDS are not only the WORDS we speak out loud but the WORDS we speak to ourselves day in and day out. Focus on the positive not the negative…be in “The WORD” daily and let God guide and direct your path…until next time my dear friends…ONE KIND WORD can change someone’s entire day…make it happen!
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