Change One Word, Change Your Mind

We’ve all heard the saying “I’m tired of this shit” and we’ve probably said it ourselves. In fact, that thought may be why you are reading this article today. About 5 years ago, I heard a coworker say it differently. He used “from” instead of using the traditional format: “I’m tired FROM this shit.” He was joking around with co-workers when I overheard him and I failed to ask him why he said it differently, but I’ve never forgotten that interesting quip and now I use it myself, when necessary. It is actually quite profound.

Why would we use the word from and not of? We will get to that. It certainly could have been just a misspeak from my coworker, but when you delve deeper into the meaning of each word, you learn something about the difference and it is mind-changing.

Let’s look at the definition of each word. According to Merriam Webster dictionary, the word “of” has twelve definitions. The most appropriate definition for this saying is 2(b): used as a function word to indicate the cause, motive, or reason. If we take aspirin because of a hangover, said hangover is the reason we took the aspirin. If we say we are “tired OF this shit”, we are saying that this shit is the cause or reason for our being tired. Right?

Okay, let’s look at “from”. Again, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word “from” has three definitions. The very first one is the most applicable for our discussion. In this case, from is used as a function word to indicate a starting point of a physical movement or a starting point in measuring or reckoning or in a statement of limits. I have lived in Florida for two years. When I tell people I am from Missouri, it is understood that I was there, but I am no longer in that place. If we say “I’m tired FROM this shit”, we are saying that this is the end of my being tired and the beginning of a new phase.

Talking about why we are tired doesn’t get us anywhere! But saying we are ready to take steps to get away from being tired…now that is saying something!

Just a small change in the way we express ourselves can make a difference in how we see the situation in which we find ourselves. If you have any knowledge of how the universe works and how powerful our words can be, even the internal communication that we have with ourselves, then you can relate to what a change like this can cause.

If you haven’t heard of the law of attraction, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Look it up. The power of our words is amazing to research and apply. I can’t advocate for the idea that we are able to manifest our greatest desires just by believing they have already come true. Either that part doesn’t work or I’m not very good at it. However, I have personal experience with changing my speech patterns by focusing on the words I choose to use in order to effect a different outcome, even if the only outcome is my own personal mindset.

If changing one word in a phrase can change the meaning of the phrase for the better in your head and in your life, what have you got to lose?

I optimistically wish for you to never have cause to utter, or scream, that you are tired from any shit. My wishing won’t make it true.

The next time you say it, hopefully someone else will hear it and notice the new word. Maybe you will change their mind too. Or maybe you will just sound really smart when you explain the definitions of each word and why you, as an enlightened person, choose your words on purpose.

Don’t be tired of the shit life is dealing; be tired from it. What are you going to do today to stop being tired from the shit you’re being dealt?

Definitions were found at www.merriam-webster.com.