Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Power of Your Word

I've decided to take the 30 day challenge on keeping my word

It has become so easy and so normal not to follow through on our word. 
No one thinks that much about it because almost everyone is so used 
to not placing true value on the integrity of his/her word.

It's important for me to inspire my daughter to recognize the 
power of keeping one's word. I decided to take a 30 day challenge. 
In the next 30 days, I'm focusing intently on the conversations and 
agreements that I make with my daughter. 

I love this practice because it keeps me on track and focused 
in the present. Instead of rushing, it requires that I slow down a 
bit and take each opportunity to watch the way that I speak to 
my child and the degree of presence that I am experiencing 
when listening to her.
 
Keeping your word means that you honor what you are saying. 
It means that you are thinking before speaking and so you do 
not hastily make promises that you choose not to keep.
 
People give less and less value to the power of their word. 
This directly relates to the level of integrity in one's life.
 
I believe that when a child grows up in a home where 
the parents' word means something, and can be counted on, 
then a child is growing up getting the full benefit of experiencing 
life with integrity.
 
I would like to invite you to take the 30 day challenge with me.
In the next 30 days make a point of keeping your word. 
Practice saying what you mean and meaning what you say.
 
Be mindful and present to the promises and agreements that 
you make with everyone in your life. Recognize that you are 
your word and choose to remain true to yourself and your 
commitment to your word.
 
Decide who you are going to be in the face of your inner 
dialogue as well as your outward expression. Catch yourself 
being inauthentic and make a conscious choice to live and 
speak with authenticity.
 
I find that this is a powerful exercise that will not only benefits 
me on a very deep level, but it also opens a doorway to 
transformation in my relationships with others.

Wishing you much joy and success
Melinda