| "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but | | | | message is received. |
| words will never harm me." | | | | Words can arouse anger or elicit appreciation. |
| You probably heard those taunting lines in | | | | Which would you rather receive? |
| grammar school, but do you really agree that | | | | The Golden Rule says, "Do unto others as you |
| harsh or negative words do not harm us? Words | | | | would have them do unto you." Think of this |
| have energy and power. Surely we have all had | | | | when you are angry and want to lash out at |
| our feelings hurt by something someone said. | | | | someone. Would you want the same treatment in |
| Our actual words may not affect us as much as | | | | return? |
| the way we interpret them and how we say | | | | Imagine yourself as a radio tower. Through your |
| them. Here's an example: | | | | words, you are emitting radio waves into the air. |
| An ancient king dreamed all his teeth had fallen | | | | People's minds are the radios all over town |
| out. He sent for a wise man to interpret it: The | | | | receiving your message. What kind of vibes are |
| dream means that all your relatives will die and | | | | you sending them? |
| you will be left alone! | | | | Gossip and slander have no purpose other than to |
| The king was furious and banned the interpreter | | | | harm. Because words with intent have energy |
| from the palace. He called for another interpreter | | | | they may have a detrimental effect even if no |
| who said, "Rejoice, O King! You will live many | | | | one hears them. |
| more years. In fact, you will outlive all your | | | | Have you ever known anyone who is a |
| relatives. Long Live the King!" | | | | naysayer? They always see the glass as half |
| Both interpreters gave the same interpretation | | | | empty rather than half full. I've known people who |
| but there was a huge difference in the delivery | | | | would pour out half the contents of a glass just |
| given by each one. | | | | so they could say that the glass is half empty. |
| While our speech must be understood by those | | | | How do you feel when you are around this type |
| who hear our words, the way we say things and | | | | of person? Remember words have power. Use |
| the intention behind them have as much power as | | | | them wisely. |
| the words themselves. Body language, gestures, | | | | AWAY WITH NEGATIVE WORDS! |
| tone, and volume play a large role in the way a | | | | |