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There are many troubling phrases in our language that we use without
considering their full meaning simply because they have been accepted into
common use. Even as our ideals progress, our language maintains some phrases
from our past that no longer serve us, for example boys don’t cry, boys will
be boys, good child, problem child, illegitimate child, and many more. While
these phrases may be used without harmful intent, they are inherently
negative. Children can be especially sensitive to such phrases, which may
stay with them their whole lives, adversely affecting their self-image and
wounding their self-esteem. We can create positive change by choosing not to
use these words and phrases.
It is challenging to examine our habits in terms of the words we use to
express ourselves, but it is also exciting. Language is an area where we can
exercise our free will, creating positive change in the world around us by
carefully choosing the words we use. It may seem like a small thing, but our
words have a rippling effect, like a stone thrown in a pond. People naturally
pick up on the way other people speak, consciously or unconsciously changing
the way they speak in response. We don’t need to actively try to influence
people; it happens without even thinking about it. All we have to do is
choose to be more conscious, putting to rest words and phrases that are
outmoded, insensitive, or harmful. We can also exercise our creativity by
creating new phrases that carry positive and loving energy to replace the old
ones.
You may already have some ideas about phrases you’d like to transition out of
your language, and now that you’re thinking about it, you may come across
many more. As you consciously decide not to use these phrases, you may feel
lighter and more joyful, knowing that you have chosen to drop baggage that
was handed down to you from a less conscious time. As you do so, you elevate
the language for future generations who would no doubt thank you if they
could.
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