Speak Life

     I was challenged at the beginning of this year to choose a word, a phrase, or a sentence to guide and motivate me during the 2014 year.  I chose "Speak Life" from a song I heard by Toby Mac.  The basic idea was to use my words to bring about a positive experience when I speak to people.
     As I start my day, I remind myself that I want to build others up.  I want to encourage people; I want people to feel good about themselves and what they are doing.  However, there are times in my job that I must hold people accountable for missing expectations.  So, how do I share that someone has missed the mark while still building them up?  This has been a struggle for me since I always want to believe the best of everyone.  I want to give people another chance to prove they had a bad day and the error isn't normal for them.  Nonetheless, I still have to hand out consequences for the behavior whether they had a bad day or not.
     How do I reconcile these conflicting desires?  I do my best to be consistent.  I try to be upbeat and positive every chance I get.  I make a point to say hello or good morning to everyone I see.  I make a point to stop and give my full attention to people I am talking to even when I have two places to be and 12 things to do at that exact moment.  I make a point to not complain to others.  I know everyone is busy, everyone feels overwhelmed, and everyone has their own personal issues to deal with, so what does it help those I interact with to complain?  It doesn't, so I don't.  I make a point to offer assistance where ever I can, even if it's not really my responsibility.  I believe these conscience efforts help me to project a positive persona, so that when I must hand out consequences, I hope people understand I am doing what must be done in response to their behavior and choices.
     In addition to building up others, when I do have to apply consequences to actions, I treat the person as I did previous to the conversation about choices and the outcome of that discussion.  I continue to speak in a positive manner; I continue to greet people with a smile and courteous discourse; I continue to offer assistance when ever and where ever possible.  I know they are not the only ones who have had a bad day, said something or acted in a way they shouldn't.  If we were all treated in a manner consistent with our worse day, what an awful place that would be for everyone.
     Speak life into others.  Make a choice to build people up instead of tearing them down.  Does that mean I like everyone - no.  I'm human.  However, I try very hard for all those I interact with to believe they are my favorite.  I will have succeeded in my goal when everyone I work with feels that way.   What does it hurt to make people feel good?  What does it hurt to choose to express yourself in a positive way instead of a negative one?  I think it doesn't hurt; I think it heals.