Our Words Matter: Shaping Mindset for Change and Sustainability
Janet Irizarry, M.Ed
Mindful Foodie | Facilitator | Influencer | Instructor | Hospitality Consultant | Content Creator
If you're following my newsletter, I hope you're feeling the joy and gratitude radiating from these pages. That feeling isn't accidental—it's a key part of my mindfulness practice. I carefully choose words that celebrate gratitude and appreciation for the abundance around us.
By selecting words mindfully, I shape thoughts that align with joy and gratitude, leading to actions that reflect those sentiments. This is the essence of the MMK method—shaping our speech, thoughts, and actions for positive change!
Have you heard of the Law of Attraction? It emphasizes how positive thoughts attract positive outcomes. That's why being mindful of our thoughts is crucial! Last week, we discussed how despite external factors, we have control over many aspects of our lives. The Law of Attraction builds on this idea, highlighting the power of our thoughts and words in influencing our actions and choices.
Positive language has numerous benefits, including inspiration, reduced resistance, enhanced resilience, improved self-perception, and increased creativity. Framing change positively makes it more approachable. Positive language instills optimism, hope, and determination, driving us forward on our journey toward transformation.
For example, instead of “food waste,” let's say “wasted food” because it places emphasis on the food itself rather than the act of wasting it. "Wasted food" suggests that the food has inherent value that is being lost or squandered, evoking a sense of empathy and concern. It prompts us to consider the potential uses or benefits of the food and encourages us to find ways to prevent it from being wasted.
Or swap “reduce food waste” to “prevent food waste” to give us a stronger sense of action and intentionality. "Prevent" implies taking proactive steps to stop something from happening altogether, whereas "reduce" suggests simply decreasing the amount of something without necessarily eliminating it entirely.
Reframe 'breaking a bad habit' as 'creating positive change,' 'diet' as 'healthy eating,' or 'stop wasting' as 'embracing sustainable living,' making goals more achievable and empowering.
In the world of My Mindful Kitchen, words carry deep meaning, shaping the transformations we seek for our well-being and the planet. Language sparks inspiration, drives motivation, and shapes our reality. By harnessing the power of positive language, we cultivate mindsets that encourage constructive change—one word at a time.