Zip It - The Power of Your Words
Foot in mouth…Yikes, sometimes I should just keep my mouth shut. It’s like the brain can’t stop and we just blurt out the thought that is going through our mind at that precise minute. I did a Bible study in the book of James and he talked about the tongue. James 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Imagine a spring pouring forth both fresh and salt water…Doesn’t happen but it can happen with us when we open our mouth to talk.
How can we be upbeat, positive, and uplifting in a negative environment? By thinking before we open our mouth, censor what goes into our mind, and focus more on being part of the solution.
How can you make a difference in your family, at work, or bring good to the world?
Mind Set Get a good night’s sleep, set aside some quiet time in the morning, and find an inspirational quote before you start the day. This will help you center your thoughts and fill your mind with encouragement to get through the day so that you can share with others and be that positive difference.
3 Positives Here is an idea to keep a positive atmosphere with your co-workers. As a 9-1-1 dispatcher we faced every situation imaginable…with many callers thinking the more they yelled at us the faster help would arrive. It was easy to let off steam by complaining and bashing the caller or co-worker. To spin negative talk after all the complaining is to stop for a minute, think of three nice things about that person or situation and then proclaim them. Encourage each other to recognize the positive!
Grandma’s Advice If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Sometimes I’ve bit down on a corner of my tongue just to keep quiet. With bullying so rampant maybe we should focus on saying something nice, encouraging, or inspiring whenever the opportunity arises.
Every time we open our mouths we have the power to bless or curse. How are you going to use your super power? It starts at home and trickles down through the family. Create a legacy for the future! Be intentional with your praise, promises, and purpose. Don’t forget…sometimes it’s best to Zip It!