00:00Hey friends, welcome to today's video. Today is going to be the greatest day of your life.
00:07Have you ever paused to reflect on the words that shaped you? You know, those that lifted
00:12you up, or perhaps brought you down? Words have an incredible power. They can inspire
00:18and uplift, or they can wound and discourage. In our daily lives, we often underestimate
00:25the impact of what we say. Today, I'm going to invite you on a journey with me into the
00:31heart of this truth, to understand how our words can transform lives, and to embrace
00:38a path of kindness and hope. Now, as you know, in today's world, we are more aware than ever
00:45of the profound impact our words can have. Tragic stories and new data on the prevalence
00:52and harmfulness of bullying have heightened our sensitivity to how words can hurt others,
00:59through merciless criticism, nasty sarcasm, hurtful nicknames, malicious rumors, and careless
01:08gossip. Joseph Tluskin, in his book, Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, delves into the
01:18moral implications of what we say. He highlights a striking truth. Most people choose their
01:25clothes more carefully than they choose their words. Yet, unless you've been a victim of
01:32a terrible physical violence, chances are, the worst pains you have suffered in your
01:38life have come from words. This simple fact reminds us that our words have the power not
01:45only to hurt, but also to damage reputations and influence how others are treated or thought
01:54of. The old adage, sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me, falls
02:01apart under the weight of reality. Words do hurt, and their impact can be long lasting.
02:10Tluskin challenges us with a powerful exercise, go for 24 hours without saying an unkind word
02:18to or about anyone. And this challenge is not about restraining negative speech, but
02:25about cultivating a habit of ethical speech, speaking fairly, respectfully, responsibly,
02:35and carefully about others. It's an easy duty to neglect, but one that can transform
02:42our lives and the lives of those around us. Here's a simple test. Ask yourself how the
02:49person you're talking about would feel if they overheard your conversation. Would you
02:55be willing to say what you said if they were present? And this reflection brings to mind
03:02some advice that we have all heard, but we often overlook. If you can't say something
03:08nice, don't say anything at all. You know, these words hold the key to a more compassionate
03:16and empathetic world. You know, so imagine a world where we all took this advice to heart.
03:23Imagine a world where our words built up rather than tore down, where we chose kindness over
03:30cruelty and where we understood the profound power of our speech. Now, in such a world,
03:39we would see less pain and more healing, wouldn't we? You know, less division and more unity.
03:46And I like the thought of that. You know, let's commit to this challenge today. Why
03:51not? You know, let's choose our words as carefully as we choose our clothes. Let's be mindful
03:57of the impact our words can have. And by doing so, we create a ripple effect of positivity,
04:05hope, and kindness. Remember, every word you speak has the power to hurt or to heal. Choose
04:14wisely, choose hope, and choose kindness. And as we embark on this journey, let us hold
04:23on to the vision of a better world, a world where our words light the way for others,
04:29where they bring warmth and comfort, where they inspire and encourage. Together, we can
04:36make this vision a reality. So let's let our words be the seeds of hope that grow into
04:42a forest of kindness, spreading peace and understanding wherever they go. You know,
04:51it's important for us to be good to other people and to be nice and to choose our words wisely.
04:58If anyone can do that, I know you can. Join me on this challenge. For the next 24 hours,
05:05let's be a little more mindful about the way we speak to others and about others and see
05:11how that changes things for you. I'm going to bet if you give me 24 hours of kindness,
05:18you're going to have a lighter heart and you're going to feel a heck of a lot better,
05:23not only about yourself, but about the world around you. I'll see you tomorrow. I care
05:29about you. I believe in you. We can do this together. And I'll talk to you tomorrow. Take
05:36care, friends.
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