It wasn't long ago when President William Jefferson Clinton lied to the entire world as he sought the answer to the question of the meaning of the word, "is." In fact, when being questioned regarding his affair with Monica Lewinsky, President Clinton was asked whether or not he had sexual relations with her. His response was, "... that depends on what your definition of 'is,' is." Was he just "spinning" perspective or did he understand that words have meaning and their meaning depends largely on the listener?
Not long ago, I was watching Justin Fatica online as he was speaking to some young people from an urban inner city. Randomly, and with all the passion he could generate he said, "You're Amazing!," to everyone of them. Based on their reaction, I'm pretty sure most of them had never heard anything like that before. They were stunned, shocked, humbled and most importantly, moved!
I find it intriguing to use language and/or linguistics to provoke response, inspire mood shifts, alter states of mind, etc., and it's quite remarkable how people respond to something fresh, something different. It's exhilarating to observe the meaning people will attach to your words and their experiences. Everyone has a different filter through which they see, hear, and feel, and when you stack them all up it's like a sensory kaleidoscope... and it's colorful when you look through the lens.
Recently, I began telling my 6 year old daughter to "Be Amazing" each morning as I kiss her goodbye before she heads off to school. It's emotional to see how she wells up with confidence and smiles. I should also point out that she is now even saying it back to me. What's more, she came home the other day from school and the first thing she excitedly told me was, "DAD! Miss Heath told me today that I was AMAZING!" The look on my daughter's face was priceless. I thank God for all the Miss Heath's in the school system that send 6 year old daughters home with a glow. My daughter attached a victorious meaning to the word AMAZING and it now manifests itself in added confidence and security. That's important for little girls.
So, what is the meaning you're attaching to words right now? What are you attaching to the experiences of your life? Is it painful, pleasurable? What are you telling yourself each morning before you start your day? In the words of one of my good friends, Life-Coach Mike Lindstrom, "... you give what you get."
Offer more than just words and start giving out amazing meanings to everyone around you and watch what comes back. Since attitude is everything... if you need to change yours, then change the meaning you're attaching to your words and your experiences. After all, it is your choice as they only mean what you make them mean.
Oh, yeah... and Be Amazing Today!
-Frank Chimento
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