Your Words Create

I'm back sharing about how to accomplish more of what matters in a complex world.

You can read more from this series here.

The principle we are looking at today is maybe the most important.

Words Create

Did you know you are a prolific storyteller? If you are going to be a cynic, one thing I do not recommend being a cynic about is the power of the words that come out of your mouth. And our words flow from the internal stories we are telling ourselves.

I pulled from one of my favorite books, “The Four Agreements.” to explain this principle in more depth.

Be Impeccable with your word:

“The word is not just a sound, or a written symbol. The word is a force; it is the power you have to express and communicate, to think, and thereby to create the events in your life. You can speak. What other animal on the planet can speak? The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human; it is the tool of magic. But like a sword with two edges, your word can create the most beautiful dream, or your word can destroy everything around you. One edge is the misuse of the word, which creates a living hell. The other edge is the impeccability of the word, which will only create beauty, love, and heaven on earth. Depending upon how it is used, the word can set you free, or it can enslave you even more than you know. All the magic you possess is based on your word. Your word is pure magic, and misuse of your word is black magic.”

Ruiz, Don Miguel. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

We gain strength when we keep our word, the commitments we make to ourselves and to those we love. When we don’t keep our word, we fight the demons of shame and doubt.

Your words and voice have power. Remember this before you commit to someone or something. Remember this as you are observing the stories you are telling yourself.

This one principle has truly changed my life and I think about it constantly. If I am feeling heavy or anxious, I look around and see if there is any place I have been out of alignment with my word. Did I tell someone I would do something and then not do it? Did I make a commitment to myself and break it?

Below is a simple exercise you can do to notice areas in your life that need some aligning with your word.

Don’t beat yourself up during this exercise. The point is to acknowledge it, forgive yourself and make a new commitment. It’s that simple! It doesn’t have to be hard.

Practical Exercise

1. Sit still and ask yourself, where are you currently out of alignment with your word?

2. Write down what comes to mind.

3. Commit to doing what is needed to get back in alignment with your word. Is that making a phone call, asking for an apology, or taking time to envision the world you want to live in?

Now, go and be impeccable with your word!

To a Bright Future,