“Every Word You Speak…

…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.

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.

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.

Peace. xo