…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!
Wasted Days And Wasted Nights 