Tip of the Week #363: Words Matter

This week, in a Spanish class, we learned to tweak our language just a bit.

For example, Instead of saying “I am angry,” say “I feel angry.”

It seems like a small shift—but it’s important.

When you say “I am angry,” you’re identifying with the emotion. It defines you, even if only for a moment.

But when you say “I feel angry,” you create distance. You recognize the emotion without letting it take over your identity.

This simple habit can remind you that feelings are temporary, not permanent.

Your words shape your thoughts and your thoughts shape your life.

Michael Masterson, author of The Pledge agrees. On page 21 of his book, he writes, “Words matter. They help us define meaning. We think with words. We learn with words. Words are the fundamental tools we use for communicating. If we use them well, we can cut and shape and polish our ideas precisely and beautifully. If we use them sloppily we put ourselves at an intellectual disadvantage

Words can help you think well. If you think well you can plan well. If you plan well you can work well. If you work well you can accomplish almost anything.”

Pay attention to how you speak—and choose words that empower you.

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If you want a more professionally filmed Latin learning experience, check out the best-selling DVD series: Visual Latin.

Or, if you want to skip Latin, and just jump right into learning English words from Latin and Greek roots, you may enjoy the series Word Up!  Warning.   Word Up! is a bit wacky.  You will learn a lot… but, you may find yourself rolling your eyes, too.

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