Words are like water: they can save lives, or take them.
Those lines are from my book RISE (http://bit.ly/riseresiliencebook). When people ask me “How does a police officer get into public speaking?”, I’ve given myriad responses. But the truth is words are as important to the police officer as they are to the speaker.
When I was on the streets, it was my WORDS that kept me out of many fights.
It was my WORDS that helped parents reconcile with their children, wives with their husbands, and siblings with each other.
It was my WORDS that prevented accidents and saved lives.
Unfortunately, however, it was also my words that created unintentional errors that were thrown back at me and called deliberate lies. Words are like water: they can save lives, or take them.
Now, as a speaker and coach, I use words the way I originally did on the streets. To HELP others. Here are ways to use the power of words to help you HEAL:
#1 – Write your words in a journal. Dawson Trotman once wrote “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and fingertips.” In speaking we have a saying “If you stay in your head, you’re dead.” Maybe a bit cryptic, but getting your thoughts on paper can have tremendous healing power.
#2 – Find an outlet to speak. For me it was Toastmasters to begin, and now I’ve started an online community to give others a chance to share their stories and have their voices heard. Soon, I’ll also be starting an online coaching group specifically for First Responders and Frontline workers to help with overcoming mental issues such as anxiety, depression and PTSD.
#3 – Use your words to help heal others. If you’re a first responder, you likely do this anyways, but your power can extend so much further than your career. In addition to speaking to first repsonders, I volunteer for a youth speaking group to help young leaders to build their confidence and public speaking skills.
Words have power. Whether you’re in a uniform or not.
If you need help on using them and getting out of your head, let’s talk: Free Discovery Call
