masterwordsmith-unplugged

When I started blogging in mid-May 2008, I chose the nom de plume masterwordsmith because of a few reasons.

Firstly, I wanted to choose the name 'wordsmith' but it reminded me so much of blacksmith so I dropped that option. Secondly, I did think of 'miss wordsmith' but it could also mean that I misspell words :-) or forget to include words or any other negative connotation. Next was the 'mistress wordsmith' which did not sound quite moral :-) as it could me I was the mistress of a wordsmith :-). Madam Wordsmith gave the impression of a grim, austere, matronly old lady which I am not (yet!!!) so I decided on masterwordsmith. Another reason was to give the impression that I am 'male' for my personal safety.

During those early blogging days, time was spent changing templates every three weeks. I think some readers must have thought I was into feng hsui because of the many changes from two column to three column and once I even had a four-column template.

So my nom de plume can tell you that I love words. Words are powerful because they shape our thoughts, determine our actions, and chart the course of our lives. Positive words give hope and encouragement or negative utterances that steal our joy and confidence.

Wherever we are in our lives, personal relationships, or careers, the words we use consistently are partly responsible for whatever happens in our communication process. As such, we must be more aware of our words, and when needed, to change them so that we can begin to get the results we really desire.

In the course of my teaching career, there are a couple of words that stand out because students tend to be confused about when and how to use them. This morning, I just want to discuss these words from a different angle and would encourage you NOT to use them.

1. Maybe: This word indicates indecision,doubt,or uncertainty as to a course of
action. For example, "Maybe I'd better wait to..."Use it less often to develop self-confidence. Use "I will" or " I will not" instead of maybe to emit feelings of confidence and resolve which are so vitalto our personal well-being.

2. But: When we use this word as a conjunction,"but" negates whatever statement that precedes it." I want to study medicine, but it wlll take a lot of hard work." Such a sentence zeroes in on the hard word involved but what we should do is to replace it with 'and'. Then, the effect will be quite different.

3. Should: Any statement that uses the word "should" generally elicits guilt. "I should go to the gym," makes you feel guilty for not going. "I choose to go to the gym,or I choose not to go to the
gym today' gives a new dimension to the meaning.

4. Can't: I don't like to use this one because it connotates countless hopes and dreams lying dormant on the 'drawing boards' of our lives. To achieve a significant positive change
in our life, I believe that we should eliminate our use of this word.

5. Soon or Later: Both are indefinite references to time.They are also non-commital.They should be replaced with a definite time and date. When someone tells you he or she is going to do something "soon" or "later, "there is no way to determine when "whatever it is" will get done. Imagine what could happen to deadlines and your integrity when these words are used
frequently.

6. Someday: Someday, like "soon or later", is much too indefinite,and when it is used, it shows the same lack of commitment.Replace "someday" with a specific date and time.

7. Never: This word is absolute,and there are only limited situations when "never" is absolutely true. The use of this word, in my opinion, suggests a closed mind, which seriously hinders our self-growth efforts. Replace it with a non-absolute term.

8. Won't: The word "won't" implies an unwillingness,reluctance, or closed mindedness,and like the absolute term 'never', it is quite harmful because it closes the door on many of the actions we need to take to reach our goals.

9. If: This word that carries large doubts and uncertainties, and when used often, it gnaws away at our confidence and intended actions, two qualities which are necessary for any type of success.

10.Try or (I'll Try): Replace "I'll try," with 'I will.'

I believe that careful thought must be given to these words before we use them in our "self talk"
or in the conversations we have with others.

We must remember this: Our words affect our thoughts, our actions, our very lives, and because of their power, we must choose them with the utmost care. Thus, let's think before we speak because even if it's only words, words have many important roles when we communicate with someone else.

Have a lovely day!