At times we focus in on the good or the bad of a situation in our life. Forgetting that oftentimes- both good and bad are present. We make choices to see a situation as either or. This is represented in our language. For example; “I want to go to the movie, but I have a lot of work to do”. This statement twists into a ‘bad’ situation, were we can’t go to the movie due to having a lot of work to do. However, by replacing the word but with the word and– it changes the view completely. “I want to go to the movie and I have a lot of work to do”.

A simply word swap gives your power back. Because in life you can do both, it just takes planning. So today get your power back and substitute all your but’s with and’s.

My insights: Language is very powerful. What I found was that when I am unsure of something- it is very telling in how I communicate. With my husband I often reject what he is saying with a “BUT!”- even when my point could be symbiotic with his. Changing the word but has led to calmer conversations and higher levels of feeling heard.

In the world: Observe how others use language to convey underlying emotions- are they fearful? Are they trying to scare? Are they unsure of what they are saying? Today should be a day of observation into how others express emotions without directly telling you.

I would love to see who is going on this journey alongside me- so use the hashtag #30daysofMagic, tag me with @jessietherapy (facebook or instagram) , or message me so I can share your experience too.

See you in the blooms Friends!

– Jessie the Therapist

Photo by: Charles Deluvio; Unsplash