I Want to Start a Movement: The Words You Choose Matter

I had the most amazing experience today. I listened to a phone call with a Personal Outcome Champion in Lifesharing as she described a person with disabilities (I’ll call her “Mary” for the sake of confidentiality). During the conversation, I was told about her life experiences, her challenges, and the outcomes she wants. Here is what I heard and what I did not.

The champion said:

“We know that Mary is not quick to trust people, but when she trusts you, she feels connected and will go out of her way to express her hellos and good-byes. We know when Mary is afraid, and we all do that we can to help her face difficult situations. Mary loves music and quiet times. Mary has some health challenges, and the team is committed to making sure she has meaningful activities in her life that she enjoys.”

The champion did not say:

“Mary is non-verbal. Mary is suspicious of new people in her life.Mary can be difficult to support. When she doesn’t want to do something, she won’t budge. Mary is in poor health; she gets agitated if there is too much noise.”

At the end of the call, I not only wanted to meet Mary, I wanted to meet the Champion! Who doesn’t want to work with someone who cares this much to speak so kindly and honestly? Whether we are speaking about someone we support at work or someone in our lives, let’s be mindful of the words we use. Let’s choose words we would want to have spoken about us because words matter. Let’s choose words that connect, respect, and inspire.