Administering an IV

I hope you enjoyed my re-post last week. I was hoping to get a new blog entry done last weekend, but I could not get it completed.

For the last few weeks, I have been struggling with writer’s block. I sit at my computer and wait patiently for the words to flow from my mind, down to my fingertips, and onto the keyboard, but the words are not coming out right. Even after writing several sentences and doing re-writes, the words just don’t seem to fit with one another.

What does a writer do when they find themselves in such a predicament? They give themselves a pep talk and write something anyway!

So, here is my pep talk.

I am a writer. I am a good writer. My writing makes a difference in my readers’ lives. My words have life-giving power. They have the power to encourage my readers to smile and laugh, to help them think through issues, and to encourage their personal growth. My writing is not just words on the page, it is an instrument of change. Writer’s block will not get the best of me!

Although my pep talk may seem a bit silly, we all need a good self-encouragement session now and then.

Lately, I have been thinking about the importance of self-affirmation and using my words wisely.

Positive words are like IV (Intravenous) liquid when you are dehydrated; they are life giving. As soon as the fluid goes into our veins, we start to feel more alert and energized. Before we know it, we are back to normal. What would happen if we used our words, as a life-delivering message, to re-hydrate the people we encounter each day?

Unfortunately, we don’t always choose our words carefully. For example, we spend our time telling others what is wrong with them, rather than affirming their great qualities. We willingly reiterate the negative words people are speaking over themselves, by saying they aren’t thin, smart, loving, or responsible enough. We verbally cut down others because we are insecure. We misjudge people’s actions and intentions, and then we unload our analysis to those within earshot.

We have all been guilty. Our words can be more like poison than medicine; they can be deadly.

Imagine, instead, giving a pep talk to a frazzled mom in the grocery store line, or whispering a loving word to your spouse. How hard would it be to compliment your waitress on her service, as she busily tries to keep up with too many orders on a hectic night? Could you tell your teen how amazing he is, despite his poor attitude after a stressful test? Maybe, your boss would enjoy being told he/she is a great leader and how much you like working for him/her. I think those words could make a difference.

Our words have power, and they are important. This week, I want to use mine to speak more life than death. It’s time to get out my IV bag. How about you?

Thanks for letting me work through some of my writer’s block tonight. You are a wonderful group of readers! See you next week.

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