In the schoolyards, you can hear children saying the familiar adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That is as wrong as a dog flying south for the winter or a bird being man’s best friend. The truth of the matter is that words do hurt. In fact, words leave a lifelong impression. Ask yourself why you can remember something your mother or father said to you over 30 years ago or that a spouse said one week after the honeymoon. You vividly remember what they said, when they said it, and how they said it. In fact, all of us have either been propelled or hindered by the words uttered from the lips of those who love us.

Capable! Gifted! Smart! Talented! You can do it! You can become it! These are all words that create certain expectations! If you continue to hear what you can achieve and what you can become, I am convinced that you will. What lies between you and your success is a small group of muscles that weighs approximately 70 grams, your tongue. Even though the tongue is small, it is the most dangerous weapon that we possess as humans. With it, we have the ability to build lives while on the other hand, we have the potential to tear others down.

Great Job! Awesome! Outstanding! Excellent! Marvelous! Proud! All of these words create internal emotions. These words are loaded with praise. Every human has a need to be praised. When was the last time you praised your child, spouse, or friend? If you want your child to become great, continue to give compliments to him or her and watch how the power of your words shapes their life. If you want a better community, it begins with what comes out of your mouth.

Now we are told by those who count such things that during the 2,475,576,000 seconds of the average lifespan, we speak 123,205,750 words. In one year we speak enough words to fill 66 books 800 pages long. Our mouths are loaded with words therefore we must choose our words wisely. Once a word parts our lips we can never retrieve it. I was always told that if you cannot say anything good, don’t say anything at all. The old proverb tells us that life and death is in the power of the tongue. So, I challenge you for the next week to let no negative words come out of your mouth. Only speak life. There is enough negative talk around us, but the world is starving for some positive talk. Why not let it begin with you?