Friends or foe – did you ever stop to think about the words you use in everyday life?

As a hypnotherapist, and, because it has become part of my way of living now, I am very aware of the language and words myself and others may use in everyday life. For me, it’s like an automatic correction facility I have ingrained in my mind. A very positive one though, because of the way I communicate, both to others and to myself, I feel my life is unlimited; I am constantly exploring new ways of developing both personally and professionally. Knowing how the words that we use can affect the way we behave can be very enlightening, freeing and life changing.

All this language and words should not be confused with intelligence or in-depth education; it’s simple small words which can cause such an enclosed area within our personalities. To give you an idea, below are a just a few examples clients have said to me in the past; along with questions to help them expand their world:-

• ‘I can’t do that…’ (‘What’s stopping you?’ ‘What would happen if you did?’)
• ‘I mustn’t do that…’ (‘According to whom?’ ‘How might it affect your life if you did?’)
• ‘She/he makes me feel awful?’ (‘Do you usually allow people to affect your feelings?’ ‘What would happen if you didn’t?’)

And the list goes on. It’s quite amazing for clients that such simple subtleties within their language can have an affect on their life and their relationships with others. Helping them to ‘tweak’ the words they use or even to be aware of their own limitations, can help empower their own lives, creating more ownership and responsibility of their future. People have changed their lives, when they change their words.

One more thing – when clients come to see me for hypnotherapy; one word I do ban, if you like, is the word try. Simple as it is, this three lettered small word, it usually implies it gives permission or space for failure, instead of getting on with it.