I've spoken about this before yet I feel it's important to reiterate the point of how we make use of everyday language. Words are potent and magical.

Since a picture is worth much more than any number of words, let me show you these simple and most convincing pictures, demonstrating how our thoughts, words, and feelings affect so-called physical objects, right down to the molecular level. Visit this web link to see the images.

The following coaching session notes explain why I decided to cover the topic of language use again this month.

This week I was speaking with a client and it was mentioned that their family meetings each Sunday afternoon included a segment called "Concerns". That section of the family meeting was gradually becoming a petty complaints session and a bit of a blame game.

We considered the option of renaming that portion of the family gathering and calling it "Solutions". An opening question could be "Who has anything to discuss for which they'd like a solution?"

One slight shift in the language used and the entire focus of the conversation changes.

As an aside, what I most loved about their family meeting was that it begins with recognition and appreciation of each other.

In our restructuring of the family gatherings we decided to raise the bar a little and when everyone sits at the table to meet, the first question is "Who is not yet prepared with their acknowledgements for this week?" If someone needed extra time then the family would adjourn their meeting for 10 mins. and return when everyone was ready with their consciously and well thought out acknowledgements.

Their praise of the other family members could also be expanded to include 'states of being' not just physical tasks and chores such as doing dishes or tidying a room. For example, "I acknowledge ... [name] for his friendly hello and generosity of attitude when I collected him from the hockey field later than I'd said I would".

For those of you who do not yet incorporate family meetings in your life and are considering the option; the middle section of this family's meeting was all about everyone aligning their calendars for the following week.

Is it any wonder that I love coaching when I hear great things like that happening around our globe and that I get to contribute to families in that fashion.

The conversation outlined above was only about 5 mins. of the total coaching session.

Yes...I sell hot air! Words are potent and magical.

Thea Westra

I'm a life coach and have enjoyed being a part of that profession since 2002. Before that I was an artist and managed a gallery space plus founded a non-profit organisation for artists. We organised and curated 30+ exibitions (large and medium) for a period of two years. I became involved in that directly after I had moved from Melbourne to Perth, in Australia. Up until then, I was a teacher for 23 years. While working full-time as a teacher I also completed four degrees at uni. and trained other teachers. Today, I live with my partner Greg who is a piano teacher. I'm not as prolific with article writing as I'd like to be, athough one of my favorite things to do each month is creating my monthly personal development e-zine. You can subscribe for that at my website. You are more than welcome to send me an email to ask me more about myself or ask me to expand on any idea introduced in an article. My email and further contact details can be found at my Forward Steps website.