Language For Change
Take Pen to Paper: Edition 119
Happy New Year!
Each year brings change. Some change happens to us, and some we choose to make happen.
We want changes for the better. With the New Year, we begin to think of a better us and a better world.
The change we choose starts with the language we use.
My youngest granddaughter is potting training. She has learned some language that makes a difference in her ability to succeed. I am lucky that she shared this lesson with me.
In this newsletter:
We absorb the language around us.
Using language with ourselves to change.
When to start.
Your Brain, the Sponge
When my oldest granddaughter was acquiring language, we lived far enough away that we saw huge gains from visit to visit. When you are not around toddlers frequently, you don’t see how fast it really happens.
At three years old, my youngest granddaughter has gone from 30% intelligible to 95% intelligible in less than 6 months. Each week you see the evidence of what she has absorbed from the language she hears around her. I should not have been surprised at what I heard when she visited this week.
Hanging from the light fixture above the kitchen table were articulated or “dancing” Christmas figures. My oldest granddaughter could reach them. The youngest couldn’t.
When she asked to pull the cord to make them dance, I told her I would take it down and hold it for her.
As I took down each figure, She said to me, “I’m so proud of you. You have a Santa.” and “I’m so proud of you. You have a reindeer.”
Her context may have been a little off, but I have no doubt where she had learned the phrase, “I’m so proud of you.”
She is hearing positive words about her potty training.
I love that she was using the same words of encouragement with me.
Language to Change
My granddaughter is on to something that we forget as adults.
The language we use with ourselves and others can bring change. Sometimes we think it only works with children. It also works with adults, including ourselves.
There’s a little bit of child in all of us. We need to hear that positive language, especially if we are trying to change.
We can start by talking to ourselves and using words to bring about the change we want. We need to think like the person we want to be and use encouraging, kind words. We need to forgive ourselves when we make mistakes and problem-solve with the mindset of the person we want to be.
The language we use with ourselves will bring about change. It can help a toddler with potty training and help an adult become a daily walker, journaler, or mindful eater (I’m working on that last one.)
“I am proud of you.”
Start Now
It is the beginning of a new year and a great time to set one goal that will make a difference.
Make it a daily goal to use kind and encouraging words with yourself and others.
Change begins with mindset. Our words help shape our mindset. If we use positive, encouraging words daily, along with the hard work we put in, we can change in whatever way we want. Be proud of the smallest steps you take to change.
Others will recognize the change in you. You may hear, “I am proud of you.”
More importantly, you may influence others to change.
My granddaughter had me thinking about how often I use that phrase, either with myself or others. I may start saying it more often.
7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good:
A quote: “Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.” - Roald Dahl, from “Mathilda”. ⚡
It’s a good thing to think that if we change ourselves, we may be playing a part in changing the world. 🌎
I’m grateful for the time I spend with my granddaughters. I learn from their words and actions.
You may want to read Tony Robbins’ thoughts about how words can change your life.
When someone does something that bothers you, it’s worth asking if you do the same thing. Work on changing yourself first.
Instead of letting change just happen, choose how you want to change. That way, you have control.
Honestly, when we use kind and encouraging words, we are a lot more pleasant to be around. 💬
Thank you for reading. Is this the year you are trying to change?
Until next time,
💚
Susan
What has a child taught you? Leave a comment and let me know. I would love to read about it.
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I have a 2nd newsletter about journaling. If you are interested or know someone who would be, check it out at From The Pen’s Nib: A Commonplace Book About Journaling.