…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!
