We often think of our words as simple tools for communication—a way to describe what is happening in our lives. But what if our words were actually the architects of our reality?
I recently started reading a total gem of a book: “Love is Letting Go of Fear” by Gerald G. Jampolsky. In it, he explores a profound truth: our vocabulary often keeps us anchored to a “guilty past” or a “fearful future.” By changing the words we use, we can literally retrain our minds to live in a state of greater peace and happiness.
The Somatic Connection: Feeling Your Words
Before we look at the list, I want to invite you to try a quick experiment. Close your eyes and say the word “Impossible” out loud. Notice how your chest or shoulders feel. Now, say the word “Possible.” Do you feel the difference? Our bodies have a physical reaction to our language. When we use restrictive or judgmental words, our nervous system reacts with contraction. When we use words of release, we feel an expansion.
The “Let Go” List: Words That Bind Us
If you’re ready to shift your mindset, the first step is to become mindful of the following words and phrases that tend to keep us stuck:
- The Barriers: Impossible, Can’t, Limitation, Difficult. These act as “stop signs” for the brain, signaling that the journey is over before it has even begun.
- The Anchors: If only. This is the language of regret. It keeps us anchored in the past, preventing us from seeing the doors opening right now.
- The Negators: But, However. These often cancel out the positive truth we just spoke.
- The Burden Words: Should, Ought to, Try. “Should” is rooted in guilt, while “Try” implies a lack of full commitment.
Moving Beyond Judgment
Together with words that may disrupt our inner peace, our goal should be to move away from any language that serves to categorise, evaluate, or condemn. When we label ourselves or others, we place a limit on a human soul. When we measure or evaluate people, we come from a place of comparison rather than love. To let go of fear, we must let go of the need to be a “judge” of the world.
The Language Shift: What to Say Instead
To successfully retrain the mind, we need to fill the space left by those “heavy” words with language that feels expansive. Here are a few shifts you can start using today:
| Instead of… | Try saying… | Why it works |
| It’s impossible | I’m curious how this could work. | Shifts the brain to problem-solving mode. |
| I can’t | I am learning how to… | Honors your boundary while leaving room for growth. |
| I should… | I choose to… | Removes guilt and restores your personal power. |
| I’ll try | I will give my best to… | Replaces a “fail switch” with an active commitment. |
| If only I had… | Next time, I will… | Pivots energy from regret to future wisdom. |
| This is difficult | This is a meaningful challenge. | Acknowledges effort without the label of “struggle.” |
Tip: The Power of “And”
Try replacing “But” with “And.” Instead of saying, “I want to grow, but I’m afraid,” try, “I want to grow, and I am feeling some fear.” Using “And” allows both truths to exist without the fear stopping your progress.
How to Practice This Week
Mindset work is a practice, not a race. Spend the next few days simply “hearing” yourself. Don’t judge yourself for using these words—just notice how they feel in your body when you say them.
After becoming more aware of the language you use, you can start implementing the new words when you become aware of wanting to use the old ones. Remember to be patient with yourself. It takes time to reframe these words and create new ways of expressing yourself.
When we change our vocabulary, we change our vibration. Your mind is a garden, and your words are the seeds.
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Purchase Your Copy
If these shifts resonated with you and you’re ready to truly transform your mindset, I cannot recommend “Love is Letting Go of Fear” by Gerald G. Jampolsky highly enough. This book is a foundational “gem” for anyone seeking to live a life guided by love rather than anxiety. If you’d like to explore these concepts further and have the full list of transformative practices at your fingertips, you can acquire your copy here. Note: This is an affiliate link, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you—thank you for supporting my work!
