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…is a prayer.” I heard Iyanla Vanzant say this during a talk she was giving several years ago. I quickly jotted it down, circled and highlighted it. “That is good,” I thought. I’ve reminded myself of this perspective many times since and have tried to become very intentional with what comes out of my mouth. When I remember, that is. And believe me, I still fail plenty, but I will never stop trying.
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It’s only a matter of choosing my words more thoughtfully. Instead of reacting, I focus on responding. Instead of repeating fearful thoughts (thoughts are still words), I’ll exchange them for more loving ones. When I don’t have anything nice to say…well, you know what to do here, and you get the picture. And yes, you can still be authentically you; there’s no becoming someone else to please another. That’s just silly.
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It’s not always easy, and it certainly takes practice, but any change is going to take exercise, right? It sure can make a difference. Not only does it make me feel good to be more gentle, loving, and kind with myself, (aka, those thoughts) but I hope it makes the people I’m with feel the same.
So the next time something hateful or judgmental or fear-filled is about to leak from your lips, try and remember Iyanla’s sage advice… Every word you speak is a prayer.
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Peace. xo
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