The Right Words at the Right Time

We are bombarded every day with advice on living well, coping with stress and enjoying life. Sometimes it is so confusing we throw our hands up and decide it’s all too hard.

But every now and then we hear or read a few simple words that can have a profound impact on us. They don’t have to be the wise exhortations of long dead philosophers or poets or the myriad of glossy self-help books. Sometimes it’s a simple compliment from a friend or a line read in a dog-eared novel that seems to resonate with us long after we've heard or read it.

Here are a couple of lines that - although they are simple and some of us have heard them a million times - came my way just when I needed them:

- It’s not selfish to put yourself first. If you’re needs are not being met, how can you expect to meet the needs of others?

- Sometimes saying ‘No’ is the kindest thing you can do.

- I’m glad I met you.

- When your children stop needing you, you know you've done a good job.

- I’m proud of you.

I've passed these words onto others in the hope that they come at the right time to make a difference in their lives as well.



Of course, on the flip-side of this are the lines that can cut us deeply and change the way we feel about ourselves or others in a moment. The hurtful barbs flung during an argument, the first time you hear yourself described as an ‘old lady,’ or the diagnosis from the doctor that you weren't prepared for.

Words are such powerful things, and as the saying goes – ‘with great power comes great responsibility.’ Once they are out of our mouths or published in black and white, we can’t take them back.



It’s so important for us to keep in mind that simple words can change someone’s life. I now try to be mindful every day to use my words well. This is especially important in my work, where I often deal with very vulnerable people who open themselves up to me.

I hope that my words are the right ones at the right time, and that one day they will look back and be thankful.

#_life
#_life_skills
#_communication
#_motivation
#_wisdom
#_wellbeing
#_motivation

%selfavenue