Am I bringing back memories? Did you have an elder who reminded you to “watch your mouth” if you said something out of line? Today I suggest that you watch your mouth in the sense of the expressions you use. I’ve caught myself or others using this limiting language which in the end only short circuits our ability to receive:
- “Fixed income” — many retired folks love to remind others that their ability to spend (give) is limited because their income is fixed. While they may feel some sense of relief that others won’t expect much from them, this declaration severely limits the flow of good into their lives, since apparently they see the government, their former employer, or their IRA as their source. Roger has told me stories of how over the years he watched in amazement as his aging mother received income from the most unexpected places, just when she needed it. Looks like she knew who her Source was!
- “I’m just a poor [whatever] — this is the working person’s corollary to the first phrase. I heard a teacher state this once to explain why he didn’t have a cell phone (at a time when every adult I knew managed to have one). Decide right now that you are not and never will be “poor” in any sense of the word. There, done!
- “Working at” or “struggling with” – one of my wonderful ministers, Rev. Dr. Mitzi Lynton, observed for me how often I chose this phrasing. No wonder I was exhausted and frustrated at the time!
Join me this week and let’s listen carefully. It’s often easier to catch what someone else says, so enlist someone close to you to listen to what you say. Let me know what you hear, and I’ll add them to my Watch Your Mouth list.