Brenda’s Blog – July 4, 2017
“We Made Too Much”
The sign over the baked goods caught my eye. The marketing department hit a home run. “Day old -on sale half price” is common in bakeries. I am drawn to their marked down items.
This header on the shelving unit made me smile. “We Made Too Much.” They could have just as easily posted “We Sold Too Little” and sent the same overage message. But someone understood the power of an apt phrase.
The book of Proverbs gives us this visual: “Like apples of gold in settings of silver so is a word skillfully spoken.”
The construction of words can greatly impact the effect. I am working on a shift from “have to” to “get to.” It changes my energy and my attitude. Dad told the story of Beverly Sills, the internationally known operatic singer, who prepared to leave an early social gathering by saying, “I must go for I have to sing at the Met tonight.” She no sooner uttered those words than she turned and corrected herself with, “No, I get to sing at the Met.” My challenge is to notice how many times “get to” can be substituted for “have to” and a marvelous lift occurs. For example, “I have to pick up my granddaughter after school.” That is a declaration of a task. But, “I get to pick up my granddaughter after school” comes with a smile and joyful expectation.
Another shift I am making is saying “Always remember” rather than “Never forget.” They both say the same thing, but one is strong and hopeful while the other has the sense of a wagging finger.
Shaping, molding, and crafting phrases is an enjoyable mental exercise. Considering the weight of words and their symmetry gives us an opportunity to create something apt. Ultimately, our expression can bring impact and influence.