When a child expresses their desire to do something that seems impossible, or maybe just impractical, there are millions of ways to say it can’t be done…

I don’t have time, not now, we’ll do that another day, you’re not old enough, you’re not strong enough, you can’t do it, that’s too far, too hard, what are you thinking, I don’t think so, let’s do something else instead.

And the best one of all…

No.

Unfortunately, this childhood riddle is very wrong…

Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words will never hurt me

Words do hurt. But they don’t have to.

ON THE FLIP SIDE

When we find a way to say yes, we open up a child’s mind, and our mind, to the millions of possible ways it can be accomplished.

We help them discover they can do anything they set their mind to. We help them learn they can do hard things. We help their imagination and creativity to soar.

We open up possibilities. We foster their dreams.

We can say yes.

WE HAVE A CHOICE

Try this exercise with me…

Think of the last person who said something negative or demeaning to you or about you.

How did this make you feel? How did you react? How did you feel later that day, the next day? How did you feel next time you saw that person?

Now think of the last person who said something nice or complimentary to you or about you and ask yourself the same questions.

How did this make you feel? How did you react? How did you feel later that day, the next day? How did you feel next time you saw that person?

Do you notice the difference???

We don’t like dealing with negative words, even as adults, and we have more experience in dealing with them. Now magnify those feelings a million times and consider what a child may feel.

To be clear, I’m not suggesting a blanket approach of saying yes to everything a child, or anyone else, may ask.

I’m also a big believer in the power of saying no.

I am saying find ways to use our words to encourage creativity, motivate imagination, open doors to possibilities, and foster dreams.

I leave you with this little gem. I hope it connects with you as it did for me.

THEIR DREAMS WE FOSTER
By Les Patterson

Their dreams we foster
Or perhaps destroy
With tone of voice
Their emotions we toy.

Hope we create
Or take away
The look on our face
Will more than sway.

Let us choose
Wisely our words
Actions reinforcing
That which is heard.

Love conquers all
So the phrase goes
Experiences remembered
Will conquer the most.

We have a choice in the words we use.

How will you change the words you use to foster dreams?

Have a great Monday! Thanks for letting me share.

Les Patterson

p.s. Take 13 minutes today to focus on using words that foster dreams.

Feature Photo: by rawpixel on Unsplash

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