Words are powerful. It’s amazing. They have the ability to heal, encourage and give a vision. Or they can demean, tear apart and damage even the strongest of personalities.

I grew up in a family where some of the older, extended females thought it was their duty to list everything that was wrong with me. My thighs were too fat. I’d be pretty if I’d get a nose job. I shouldn’t play sports because it’s not becoming of girls (but what about the fat thighs??!) I spoke too fast and was way to shy to ever do anything great.

That hurts…a lot!

I was a young child when I heard those words and I’m still insecure about all of these.

It’s not only the words that were spoken, but the way they are delivered.

I was planning out my month the other day and as I looked at the calendar I realized there are a good many hurdles ahead of me. Immediately I felt overwhelmed and had to take a deep breath as anxiety worked hard to steal my confidence. I began doubting my ability to deliver the tasks at hand. My mind was then paralyzed from any constructive thought or action.

Later that morning I met with a friend who began sharing with me some books she had read on positive thinking and lent me one of them. She’s a highly accomplished individual so I quickly began reading, trying to tap into any insights and encouragement I could find. The principles they taught had a great deal of wisdom behind them. I began applying some of them immediately and was amazed to find how much more I was able to accomplish.

This got me thinking about the many arguments I’ve heard in the past that such practices are “new age” and should be avoided.