by Alexa Erickson, Collective Evolution
When you are in a discussion or an argument with someone, and they begin to raise their voice, how do you respond? You may subconsciously begin to match their tone. When harsh words are said to you, do you reply with kindness, or do you go into defense mode instead, finding ways to give them what they gave you?
How we interact with family, friends, a partner, a boss, co-workers, children, and strangers makes all the difference. As you walk down the street, how does a friendly smile from someone you’ve never seen before make you feel? Would you prefer them to grimace at you?
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, “The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become.”
This quote holds very true for language. It is the key to unlocking every child’s potential, yet too many times adults belittle children. They punish them, make them feel inferior and scared. They teach them that harsh words and little compassion make for greatness. But they don’t.