The Power of Words

Dear Cotillion Students,

I hope that this email finds you well and enjoying the summer weather! 

Last week, I asked you to ‘reflect and perfect’ (and to celebrate the fathers in your life!) Did you find things to work on to become the best version of yourself? Remember, becoming our best is a lifelong process. 

This week I want to talk to you a little bit about ‘the power of words’. Ladies and gentlemen recognize that words can be very powerful for good and for ill. They know the importance of thinking before speaking, and building others and ourselves up with the things that we say. They know that we should freely and frequently share the good, and choose restraint and edit the negative from our conversations. They know that the things we say show respect or disrespect.

Self Affirmation/Personal Awareness:

The silent or spoken things that we say to ourselves or about ourselves build or destroy our self confidence and our self worth. 

Be careful not to say or even think negative things about yourself. (‘I’m so dumb’, ‘I can’t _____’, ‘I’ll never be as good as____’, etc.) These kinds of thoughts and words tear us down.  

Instead, use your words and thoughts to build yourself up and encourage yourself. Think or say positive things such as:’I am learning to_________’ , ‘I can _________’, ‘It’s pretty great that I __________, One of my talents is _________, I am terrific! etc.) 

Be the kind of friend to yourself, that you would want a friend to be. 

Choose to see the good in yourself, there is SO MUCH there and then tell yourself about it! 

(*If you need a little help coming up with affirmations – ask your parents! I’ll bet they have lists of great things to say about you!)

Words of Affirmation for Others: 

A kind word or a compliment can often change the day for someone. Our words can make someone feel seen, heard, valued, and appreciated. Sharing these words with them can help them to have courage, help them to grow and succeed. 

Be genuine and be generous with your compliments. 

Added benefits of using our words to build others is that when we do, our relationship with them tends to grow, and our own self esteem increases. 

Learn to be aware of others, there is so much good to recognize, and then share it with them. 

Warning: Gossip is TOXIC!

Saying unkind or untrue things about someone else can do great damage. If you are in a situation and it starts to happen – STOP IT! And if you can’t, withdraw from the situation rather than being part of it. Once said, those unkind words can never be taken back, and tend to spread far and wide. Make a choice not to be a part of it.

I hope that as you go throughout this next week, you will be more mindful of the things that you say to yourself and to others. Use your words to strengthen and build.

I know how wonderful you are, I want you to see it too!

Love,

Mrs. Achiu

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.

Mother Teresa