"So difficult it is to show the various meanings and imperfections of words when we have nothing else but words to do it with."
—John Locke
While words matter, and the words we share with others make a difference, what matters most is what we say and believe in ourselves - through the words we choose!
As we make our selections, here are some seemingly non-negative or neutral phrases that have simple replacements that not only will empower you, they will position you positively from a mindset perspective. Let's say they go from tricks to treats in this near Halloween update. Those tricky phrases that are positioned to treat you well when stated slightly differently include:
There is no need to "pick your poison" (tricky) when making a choice, since that sounds dreadful when you can "pick your purpose” (treat), instead.
In place of "killing them with kindness" (tricky), which would leave people dead, "convert them with kindness“ (treat) and they'll still be here for you to share kindness with later.
Rather than "taking the high road" (tricky), implying others are on the low road, decide to "travel the road that’s best for your journey" (treat), and let others travel theirs, too.
Stop "being the bigger person" (tricky), because that implies the other person is small, instead, "be your best person, and let others be theirs" (treat).
Skip the "It is what it is" (tricky), as that implies there is nothing at all that you can possibly do about it, or as a result of it, and go with "it is what we make of it" (treat), and then take action!
Resist the "Agree to disagree" (tricky) comments that sound defeatist, and share sincerely what you respect and appreciate about someone with something like "While we may not agree now, please know I am considering your perspective on this, as being open to learning is part of growth" (treat).
These options are choices for us, and by choosing, we decide what we are going to say and do with intention rather than simply going with familiar expressions! And, in each case, we take out the tricky language as we treat ourselves, and others, to positive positioning!
