Читать книгу Above and Beyond - J.S. Dorian - Страница 81

“Words are the dress of thoughts; which should no more be presented in rags, tatters, and dirt, than your person should.”

PHILIP STANHOPE, LORD CHESTERFIELD

The words we use in conversations are often good indicators of certain prejudices or attitudes we may have, even though we may not be fully aware of them. If we blurt out to someone, for example, that we’re “hobbling along like a cripple,” then that statement reveals quite a lot about our self-image, not to mention our feelings about people (including ourselves) who may be physically challenged.

Similarly, if after two days and nights of unrelenting pain we tell our partner that we’re going to “break down and call the doctor,” that says much about our attitude toward healthcare professionals and also, very likely, about our level of self-worth.

What exactly do we mean when we say we’re “going to break down and call the doctor?” Do we feel that it’s somehow improper to interrupt the doctor with anything less than a dire emergency? Does our choice of words indicate we’re afraid the doctor might be annoyed by one too many calls from us and that we don’t want to risk disapproval? Do we feel that the doctor is too important to be bothered by the likes of us?

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

My words reflect my feelings. If I change the feelings, the words will follow.