One Little Change…

…can make a world of difference.

I often used to think about something my former sister-in-law said to me when my son was about six or seven.  She heard him say that he hated something and she commented that “hate is a very strong word and children shouldn’t be using it”.  It kind of bothered me that she was trying to tell me what I should allow my son to say and what I should not allow him to say.  I even discussed it with my husband and he agreed with me.  I didn’t let it bother me but it did stay on my mind for awhile.  Through the years, I would remember it.

We go through every day life hearing others say the word hate in connection with all sorts of things: foods, places, people, activities, etc.  We, most of us anyway, use it indiscriminately.  About a year and a half ago, I got to thinking about how the word “hate” is overused and abused.  I then made a conscious decision to not use the word if I could help it.  Instead, I learned to say “I really dislike” or “I really don’t like”.  I’d even say “I strongly dislike”.

I cannot tell you what a difference it has made in my every day life and in my outlook.  I am less stressed; slower to anger; and overall happier.  Such a small, small change!  I’m glad I’ve stopped using the word gratuitously.  There are times when it is appropriate but it is such a misused word that I think it’s worth considering our use of it.  I think I have only used the word “hate” once in 2014 and it was in a blog comment where I wrote “I hate cancer.”  Totally true, and totally appropriate.

Anyway, rethinking my usage of the word has really made a difference in my life.  It has created a sense of peace and satisfaction.  I invite each of you reading this to try making the change and see how it effects you and your life.

One small change can do so much!