The Essential Guide to Speaking Kind Words: Encourage and Uplift Your Loved Ones
Buddha said,
“When words are both true and kind, they can change the world.”
It’s hard to know what to say or do when we see someone we love struggling. Maybe our child is having a difficult time making friends at school, or one of our closest friends is in the middle of a divorce…
Speaking kind, positive words over them is a simple step we can take to help them feel less stressed and deeper connection to family and friends.
Brene Brown says, “Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued.” And she’s right! Kind words spoken over a loved one can help them to feel less isolated or alone in their problems.
Positive words also have the power to motivate and reduce anxiety and stress!
In their book, Words Can Change Your Brain, Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman talk about how using uplifting, encouraging words stimulates the frontal lobe, which connects language and movement, motivating you to take action and get things done!
Kind words can shrink the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, the place where a lot of our bad thoughts originate. When the mind is focused on positive, optimistic words, dopamine is released and the reward center of the brain is stimulated. Stress and anxiety is reduced and we feel more at peace! (Newberg and Waldman, 2013)
If speaking kindly to plants helps them grown, imagine what speaking kindly to humans can do?
What to do first…
If possible, think of the things you want to say ahead of time. It can be hard to think of something when you’re put on the spot and everyone is looking at you. Write it down so you don’t forget.
Have the person of honor sit down in front of everyone. Maybe decorate the chair or give them a special crown/ accessory! ( I love ANY excuse to wear my flower crowns!)
Everyone else takes turns telling their stories or sharing their kind words about the recipient, showering them with warm fuzzy feelings!
Alternately, if the person doesn’t like to be center of attention, have everyone write down their positive words in a personal letter or write on small pieces of paper, fold them up and fill a jar to give to the person of honor.
What to say…
What do you respect or admire about the person?
What you thought when your first met them/ how long have you know them?
What have you learned from them?
How have they helped you?
What is your favorite memory of that person?
How is your life better because they are there?
Specific words of encouragement ( good luck, congratulations, etc)
“Words are things. They get into your wall, your upholstery, your furniture, your clothes and finally into you.” ~ Maya Angelou
Check out these resources to learn more:
“Words Can Change Your Brain” by Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman
http://BreneBrown.com
The Power of Words: How Uplifting Content Benefits Your Brain by Simona@MindfulCopyAgency
For another great way to connect with your friends read our guide to hosting a Cooking Night!!!