June 22, 2010Reader success story: How to use different words to lighten the burden of tough times

A reader wrote: Words are certainly very powerful and the way we talk about our own situation not only has a big impact on our colleagues view, but also our own responses. I had a very stressful job a few years ago and it was noticeable that I was struggling with the situation, which also contributed to a tense atmosphere in the office. When people commented I would agree that everything was very stressful.

I then stood back from the situation and thought about everything and changed the way I described it. So when people asked how things were I would say ‘a bit challenging’. This not only brought a smile to my face as using the word ‘bit’ minimized the situation and made it a huge understatement. But the use of the word challenge changed my whole perspective and attitude as I do like a challenge! The very fact I could also smile about it helped considerably.

Things can still get stressful, but I am careful about the language I choose and very much aware when my stress symptoms need attention and do something about it before it becomes a problem.

Thanks for you words of wisdom as it helps to increase my own armory of tools to help make life more manageable and fun.