Be Awesome

“When I’m sick, I stop being sick and be awesome instead.” These are the famous words spoken like a winner by Barney of the TV Series, How I Met Your Mother. 

As funny as this TV sitcom is, I’m not big on some of the content, and Barney’s lifestyle is no exception. Yet the guy has a great attitude! Phenomenal. And these words epitomize that attitude.  The more I read them, the more I love them. “When I’m sick, I stop being sick and be awesome instead.” Love that! Attitude in action!

Recently a friend was diagnosed with strep throat a day after we sat beside each other on a two hour flight.  She’s doing great now, thankfully, and was kind enough to reach out to me immediately after seeing her doctor – worried for me.  My response was a little like Barney’s but far less poetic. And the results matched my words. Healthy.  

You see, my words elicit a cosmic response in the universe that naturally protects me from any and all germs. Doubt it. Yet, my words have been pretty good predictors of my experiences. And I’m not sick much, and certainly not for long.  Haven’t had the flu in…don’t really remember. And no flu shots either.  Not for 15 years.  Is it really my words?

Naturally our words cannot deflect the harsh realities of sickness, disease and other challenges that may venture upon us.  But I truly believe that our words, which start in our mind, often do influence the circumstances we encounter, and absolutely influence how we handle what comes our way.

Here’s what the Mayo Clinic Staff has to say about the possible effects of a positive mental attitude (which I believe is best demonstrated by our words):

  •   Increased life span

  • Lower rates of depression

  • Lower levels of distress

  • Greater resistance to the common cold

  • Better psychological and physical well-being

  • Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease

  • Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

 And here are just a few things the Bible has to say about the power of our words:

  • But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. (Matthew 15:18)

  • There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

  • A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

 All the way from Barney to Scripture!  Nice.

leadership, Life ImprovementMike Greeneattitude, words