It has been difficult to stay positive lately, but something today triggered a memory that I am holding tight. I think it will help you, too, darling. I remember this one morning, to a tee, the profoundly happy effect that positive words triggered in a body that was not feeling well. I’d lost my voice and had a cold and a cough. I was feeling quite sick and I had no appetite.

My ultimate concierge, was insistent that I eat and surprised me with breakfast in bed. He brought me a colorful flowered box of tissues knowing the flowers would put an immediate smile on my face. He served me hot tea and lemon, forced me to take Tylenol and swallow cough medicine while I sat up in bed like a Queen Bee or dozed off with my computer in my lap.

Every word that came out of his mouth was kind, loving and filled with concern. Every word that came out of my mouth was loving and thankful. That is how it should be.

In the midst of his caregiving and all the tumult taking place in our bed, our doorbell rang and in popped an unexpected friend and neighbor. “What happened to you?” she asked.” Before I could answer, my ultimate concierge said, “Honey’s sick and has me playing wife today.” Such an unexpected statement sent laughter through the room. My friend responded, “You are not Mr. Good, you are Mr. Great.” More laughter from the three of us.

The Passionate Pursuit of Solitary Pleasure

The Power of Positive Words & the Impact of Communication

That day stood out to me. It was over the above conversation, along with emails and phone calls from family and friends during the day that turned my attention to the meaning of words. Every conversation was caring and lovely. I glanced down at the mug, from Ireland (I have a collection of cups from all over the world to remind me of memories with my husband), in my hand that had drawings of four leaf clovers and a saying that read: “Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be always with you.”

I stared at my cup in all white and forest green and thought to myself that our lives are centered around communication.

Spoken and written words feed our emotions. Thank goodness for positive words. Without positive language we would not laugh, learn, show gratitude, express hope, love and trust, or be able to communicate hope, joy, or sadness.

Words affect the quality of our daily lives. Communication, is our greatest source of happiness and can be our greatest source of unhappiness. Almost every minute of our day is filled with words and it appears we are having difficulty as a nation and as individuals in using the uplifting positive words in our dictionary.

Don’t Let Caregiving Dim Your Light: Discover Your Path to Renewed Happiness

How to Master Positivity (and Build Self-Esteem)

Words exude positive and negative energy and power. They uplift us; they uplift our lifestyle. Or, they destroy us. They destroy our lifestyle. I don’t believe in the saying: “Sticks and stones will break our bones and words will never harm us.” That saying is a bunch of “fooey.” Of course words hurt and harm us as individuals and a society.

So, how do we master the use of positivity during times of conflict and turmoil in our personal lives. Nothing is solved with a negative approach. Negative words fuel more anger. Don’t believe me? Just turn on your television.

This goes for self-talk as well. If you are constantly telling yourself negative things, your outlook is negative. If you uplift yourself with positivity, your outlook will improve. It may take practice if you are prone to think more negatively, but it is so worth it.

I took a two-day course in the Art of Negotiation at the Karrass School of Negotiation. The course was geared towards business but I took away some skills on how to use the art of negotiation through the positive word.

So, on that cold rainy afternoon I stared out my window, propped up in bed with lots of soft down pillows plus a pillow that my husband ordered on TV (he loves to order items he sees on television). I had my flowered Kleenex box, my Irish mug, my laptop, my pooch, who I describe as a needy child, nestled into my side, a show played on Netflix (Call The Midwife). With my ultimate concierge next to me, I mulled over how to use positive words during conflict.

My goal is to be able to deal with misunderstandings, be a better negotiator because anger, like joy, is an emotion that arises in all of our lives.

The power of positive words in conflict:

1. Validate the other person’s viewpoint. This is a positive beginning with family members, friends and co-workers. I said, validate, not necessarily agree.
2. Avoid negative words.
3. Suggest alternatives.
4. Sound helpful.
5. Manage your emotions. Take a deep breath.
6. BE UNAFRAID TO SPEAK COURAGEOUSLY AND BE UNAFRAID TO LISTEN COURAGEOUSLY. THE GOAL IS TO FIND COMMON GROUND.

How to Lean into the Power of Positive Words

Life is a winding road, filled with unexpected roadblocks and challenges. I’ve weathered my share of storms, including cancer more than once, financial hardship, loss, and health crises. My roadblocks have been mighty but I have been mightier — thanks to my personal strength and positivity.

We all encounter obstacles and these roadblocks can feel insurmountable, leaving dark shadows over our lives. Yes we all have inner strength and are capable of overcoming even the most heartbreaking challenges.

With a positive outlook, I turn my adversity into opportunity. It’s about taking one step at a time, finding joy in the little things, and refusing to let setbacks define me. Remember, every challenge is a chance for growth and resilience.

I want to leave you with words I love darling, all positive words. Might you incorporate these positive words into your vocabulary?

ageless, achievement, abundant, awesome, appreciate, bloom, blessed, balanced, decent, dazzle, empathize, encourage, fabulous, friendship, family, generous, harmonious, happy, flourish, illuminate, inspire, joyful, kind-hearted, laughter, learn, live, love, marvelous, motivated, noble, nature, optimism, open hearted, open minded, positive, powerful, polite, queenly, respectful, reason, rapture, resilient, respect, rainbow, smile, stable, sparkle, sweet, smart, savour, trust, thrive, vitality, values, vigor, worth, wow, wonder, worthy, yes, yes and yes!

I hope you have a positive day and a positive week ahead. Use positive words and be aware of all the positivity in your life.

Have you discovered the power that positive words can have on your outlook and lifestyle? I’d love to hear some examples in the comments below!

Honey Good is a mentor for women, empowering them to live vibrant and visible lives after 50. For more insight into her daily life, plus tips and tricks, follow her on Instagram @iamhoneygood. To inquire about working with Honey, please email her at collabs@honeygood.com.