Easter is coming – hot cross buns, kids anticipating chocolate eggs, and time to socialize with family and friends. Such get-togethers provide the perfect occasion to mentally put your finger to your lips and watch what you think and say – about yourself and others.
Kind thoughts and constructive words benefit everyone. They encourage, lift spirits, and promote harmony and peace. They also help negate the type of bullying language that can occur on social media. Such positive outcomes make watching what you think and say good for your health and the health of others – especially young people.
WATCH WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT YOURSELF:
It’s tempting to look at someone who’s popular or successful and wish you were happier, smarter, or more attractive! If this happens, mentally take a stand. Refuse to find fault with yourself.
TIPS:
- Watch what you think and say about yourself - especially on social media.
- Don’t criticize yourself mentally or verbally. Think and say positive things. They’ll benefit you. Also you’ll be more inclined to do the same to others.
- Appreciate who you are and what you can do. You’re special, beautiful and talented. Believe it! We all have unique qualities. Find out what you’re good at doing, and build on it.
- Uproot jealousy and resentment about other people’s looks or achievements. Don’t allow envy to grow in your thinking. It causes trouble at home, school or work.
- Improve your potential. “Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts”. Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health p. 261.
WATCH WHAT YOU THINK AND SAY ABOUT OTHERS:
In primary school a male teacher told a young child that she struggled with math because she was a girl! Sadly, his words had a negative impact on all her school work from then on.
TIPS:
- Be careful what you say. Words uttered thoughtlessly can’t be recalled. In every conversation be wise, thoughtful, encouraging. “Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body”. Bible. Proverbs 16:24.
- Be a team player. Don’t utter demeaning, negative, or spiteful statements. Help others realise their potential for success. When speaking, be “peaceful, courteous, not self-willed, full of compassion and kind actions, free from favouritism and from all insincerity.” Bible. James 3:17.
- Practice the Gold Rule of living. Think and say to others what you would like them to think and say to you. Have a happy Easter! Watch what you think and say. It’s good for everyone’s health.
Photo attribution: © Glow Images. Models used for illustrative purposes.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Beverly Goldsmith writes about the connection between spirituality and health and is a Practitioner and Teacher of Christian Science. Twitter: @GoldsmithBev
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