What Are You Saying?

There is a lot happening in the world now. As each day goes by, there’s more to take in and more to deal with. With the ongoing troubles out there and the struggles within, there’s more than enough cause for anxiety to go around.

It is important to understand our stressors and what is causing us anxiety. The war in the Middle East is one case in point. Although I don’t know anyone personally from those regions, it is painful to witness the anguish that humans are experiencing daily. Men, women, and children are being killed every day. They are dying simply because of where they live.

The same is happening in Ukraine. I can’t imagine my family and me living in regions where the chances for peace seem like a distant hope.

Closer to home, there is economic instability in Canada that is baffling. On the surface, Canada appears to be a peaceful and beautiful country, but upon closer observation, the system seems to stifle regular, hardworking people and business-minded individuals from rising beyond the average level.

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25, NKJV)

You will agree with me that life is tough. You will also agree that it is becoming harder to find spaces of refuge and comfort. Yes, life is tough, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.

At times like these, I cannot overemphasize the necessity of bringing good words into our heart space:

• What are you saying to yourself as you navigate life?
• What are you allowing others to say to you?
• How much of God’s good Word are you letting into your spirit?

What I say to myself matters. Always. A good word can repel anxiety and depression.

I am learning every day to speak better to myself. The quality of my life is important to me; therefore, my strategy for success is speaking quality words to myself at all times. Whatever situation I find myself in—whether stress-free or stressful—I make it a point to talk myself upwards.

In previous years, I would rely on others to encourage me, affirm me, or say something nice to lift my spirits. However, I’ve realized two things. First, others may not always gauge my frame of mind accurately enough to provide the confidence I need to pull through a situation. Second, they are likely going through their own struggles at the same time. I cannot always rely on others to build my confidence for me.

It is my responsibility to talk myself upwards, out of difficult situations, and into success.

What am I saying to myself? What are you saying to yourself? The right words matter.

God has equipped us with powerful tools, and one of those tools is our tongue. It is not only for tasting food but also for speaking life into our circumstances. Our words have the power to lead us out of depression, into bright futures, and toward opportunities. When we speak, our ears hear us, our minds process those words, and they relay messages to our brain to take the necessary actions.

This new year, make it a part of your strategy to be kind to yourself with the right words. Treat yourself to uplifting words. Don’t rely solely on others to cheer you up. You have been blessed with a tongue—use it to change your life.

I have lists of positive, life-changing, and enabling words that I read out to myself regularly. I create moments to affirm myself by passionately reading these words. They are specific to the situations I face—for example, how I want to connect with my daughters or achieve the desired outcomes in unique work situations.

The good Lord wants us to prosper in all things and be in good health—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Start by promoting yourself with good words this year. Your promotion starts with your tongue and what you are saying to yourself.

Stay tuned for the next feature on “What Are You Saying?”