Do you know your words are more powerful than weapons?

Have you noticed how common it is for someone who has reached success and is reminiscing about their journey, to express how a teacher or guidance counselor told them as a child that they would never amount to anything? Why is this behavior the norm especially with teachers and leaders who are entrusted with the responsibility of building children up intellectually and otherwise? The Bible says that the power of life and death is in the tongue so it goes without saying that we should either be speaking life or staying quiet because the alternative is simply unacceptable. Can you imagine being the person who killed the creativity, drive, ambition and determination in someone, especially in a child?

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• Sweater: SHE IN
• Trousers: EXPRESS
• Booties: STEVE MADDEN
• Colorblock coat: SHE IN
• Watch: JORD

“Negative words sting and their impact can last a lifetime. Positive words can build one up and their impact too can last a lifetime.”

I still remember being called a leader at my kindergarten’s graduation. I was 6! I still remember when my 6th grade teacher told me I had the best handwriting. Til this day, I remember my 7th grade math teacher being so proud of me for solving a math problem no one could solve and she kissed me on the cheeks. My friends joked that I shouldn’t wash my face that day because that was such an honor! 

Two decades later, that feeling of extreme pride and joy is as palpable as it was the day it happened. She fueled my love for Math. But what if the opposite had happened? Maybe I would have hated math. Maybe I would not have studied Finance in college. Who knows what her words could have killed in me?

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This is an appeal to not just teachers but to all of us to practice what we preach by not saying anything at all if we don’t have anything nice to say. I’ve been guilty of thoughtless outbursts myself especially while angry so it is imperative that as parents, leaders and friends, we pay attention to the lasting impact of our words because they really do sting for a lifetime. We can discipline in love. We can reprimand someone without tearing someone down. We can disagree without being rude or condescending.

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In case you missed my last post where I shared my giveaway in collaboration with the JORD team, here are the instructions on how to enter for your chance to win $100 off any watch of your choice! To enter:

• Simply click here to fill out the form.
• The winner will receive a $100 gift code toward the purchase of any watch in the JORD collection!
• The winner will be emailed in a month (after the contest has concluded)
• All other entrants will also be emailed a consolation 10% off gift code.

Best of luck to you all and don’t hesitate to share this giveaway with your friends! 

Until next time, be kind to one another!