what do words say about me?

The principle of having good, kind language has been on my mind a lot lately, ever since it became a high goal during my past semester. I made a plan to have positive, uplifting language each day. This included not complaining, gossiping, or inappropriate sarcasm. It started as an assignment for a class and it grew into so much more. I've also been thinking a lot about the effect our language has on others.  

So, I ask myself the question, "What do words say about me?" I believe there is a direct correlation between the way we speak and our character. How we speak and the language we use is molding our character. When we speak kindly and positively about others we can fulfill the Lord’s commandment to love one another. 

I brainstormed and came up with 10 ways to accomplish this goal

1. How do we know if our comments and jokes are really offending someone and upsetting them? I thought a lot about this question. A way that we can tell if our jokes and comments are offending is how many times do you have to follow up with the phrase "just kidding!" I think people have this idea that they can say whatever and then everything will be okay if they say “just kidding” afterwards. Try noticing how many times you say "just kidding" in a joking conversation. You really begin to think about how your words affect others. 

2. Recognize that everyone is different and that differences can be good.

3. Try giving a compliment to 3 different strangers a day.

4. Don't ignore someone.      

5. Get to know people instead of just listening to what others say about them.

6. Apologize when you have made a mistake.

7. Forgive others for things they have done.

8. Serve the people around you! What better way to learn to love someone than to serve them!

9. Remember that everyone is a child of God.

10. Strive to become more like our Savior!

I also read the talk by Elder Holland called “The Tongue of Angels” and I recommend it for everyone. Of course, it's a huge slap in the face from Holland. One section that really stood out to me says...

“A woman’s words can be more piercing than any dagger ever forged, and they can drive the people they love to retreat beyond a barrier more distant than anyone in the beginning of that exchange could ever have imagined. Sisters, there is no place in that magnificent spirit of yours for acerbic or abrasive expression of any kind, including gossip or backbiting or catty remarks."

All I could write after reading that was "Wow." Like Elder Holland says in his talk, when we are negatively speak about someone we start to negatively think and our actions, along with our words, become negative also. Even if the words that you are saying about someone else never reach their ears, I believe that is still dampening your personal countenance and I believe dimming the light that you have. 

Of course, my thoughts went right to Dieter F. Uchtdorf's simple, yet powerful, counsel... "Stop it."

I could see a change in my life as I strived to work at this goal. Something that I kept in mind is how would I react if someone was saying unkind words about me? I want the way I communicate and speak to reflect the Daughter of God that I am. Everyone is a child of God.

Alright, my rant over this topic is over :)