I'm currently reading The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. As a writer, one of the agreements made an impact on me: Be impeccable with your word. It made me think about my writing and the words I use - do I always use positive language? Am I truly impeccable with my written, as well as spoken, word?
Words convey such powerful meanings, and sometimes they have the opposite effect on your intended audience. Words get lost in translation via email or text message. A joking tone, even written, may come across as insulting - you just never know how the other person perceives your message.
We live in an electronic world between our text messaging and social media. Before you send off your next email, re-read your words. Are you being impeccable with your word? Could you phrase the sentence a different way? Does your email have a negative or accusatory tone?
Remember that when you use social media you represent YOURSELF and your reputation - if it's not something you'd want your mom to read then don't post it. Employees have been fired for their negative comments about employers, and people haven't gotten jobs as a result of their negative "social media" trail they left behind. In the cyber world, your past will come back to haunt you so beware of what you write and how you write it.
Whether you speak or write your words, remember to always be impeccable with your word!
