Guest blog by Nisha Harichandran, Bohem Notes
Communication is key in relationships. Words are more than letters strung together, hence
the popular saying, ‘the tongue or the pen is mightier than a sword’. They can nourish and
protect or do the reverse. Words shape our belief systems, builds confidence and self-
image. As such, they also affect the perception of ourselves and others. Here are three tips
you can incorporate into your daily lives and gift the love of words to yourselves and loved
ones.
Tip 1: Make learning fun
A is for apple. As’ are also associated with an assortment of amazing adjectives, animals,
antioxidant food and aspirational words. For example; affection, alpaca, artichokes and
abundance. See what I did with the sentences above? I used a variety of words, each
starting with the letter ‘a’ to show the available alternatives. Pick topics of interest and
explore them with your little ones. Aside from nurturing an interest, you are nourishing the
mind with learning and new vocabulary.
Tip 2: Words Impact. Choose well.
Often, we speak as if we are pre-programmed; words flowing naturally, with little thought to
the meaning or the imprints it leaves on us or another. What we understand (perceive), we
project onto others, because those are the attributes we recognise and may have it
ourselves. For instance, when a child resists doing something, we say the child is ‘stubborn’.
Stubborn is also a sign of strong will and determination, and need not be unsavoury. If we
reframe our thoughts, we can find positive alternatives, that means, different labels to view
and experience these events. An internal shift consequently invites another type of
conversation, one that is welcomed with more receptivity instead of defiance. Here are a few
words I use myself when confronting delicate situations:
Original word Positive Alternative
Complicated Puzzle
Problem Lesson / Adventure
Fussy Selective / Knows what he or she wants
Bad/not great Potential to develop / inspire / grow
Impatient Loves the adrenalin rush
Tip 3: Words Empower. Make them your Superpower
Expanding on the point above, fuel up on words that empower. The best place to start is with yourself. Your name is not just a name, it is you; this beautiful person filled with potential and unique gifts. My name, Nisha means the night or dusk. I love sunsets, am nocturnal, but
there is also so much more to who I am. I infused some of my personality with each letter in
my name and since doing so, every time, I write or respond to my name, it is an awakening
of my superpowers. I chose:
N – natural, as in authentic
I - intuitive, and this helps me understand myself and others better
S - soulful, as I speak from the heart
H - happy, is my preferred lifestyle, nurtured through continued personal growth
A - adventurous, because I love to explore, create and play.
What did you select for yourself?
I hope you have found the tips helpful and enjoy giving yourself and loved ones, one of the most precious gifts; the gift of words.
About the author:
Nisha Harichandran is a Cardiff based caption, content writer and business story teller, trading under the name Bohem Notes. She loves working with small businesses, empowering them to share their stories. Separately, she blogs about happiness as a lifestyle, achieved through a journey of personal growth and empowerment.
You can find her in the following places:
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