Words Can Build and Words Can Break

Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited

Excuse me while I rant.

Twice this week, twice in a professional setting while in conversations, two different people used the word retarded in my presence.  I know they did not mean to offend, I know that they were good people talking about a circumstance not at person but both of them were oblivious to the fact that the ‘r’ word is just not ok to use anymore.

It is hurtful and disrespectful, it’s exclusive and offensive to people with intellectual disabilities and to the people who care about them.  I know that most people are not intentionally hurtful. It’s maybe just a habit, or something they never thought of from another perspective.

When I hear this word come from someone’s mouth, I cease to hear anything else they say.  I simply have to open my mouth and gently let them know it’s just not cool to use that word.

This cool article has a great chart of when it is ok to use the ‘r’ word – basically the answer is never, please choose a different word.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Thank you my rant is over now!

On this week’s Your Life, Unlimited radio show Brian Haggerty, author of Put that Cell Phone Down and Look Me in the Eye  shared some civility techniques for making like a little more pleasant for yourself and those around you.  As well, Kevin McFadden owner of McFadden Benefits shared some of his success principles. You can enjoy the whole show here…

Stephanie Staples, CSP* is the author of When Enlightening Strikes – Creating a Mindset for Uncommon Success, an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, and the recipient of the 2014 Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur Award for Contributions to Community. Stephanie empowers audiences & clients across North America to bring their ‘A’ game to work and to life. Stephanie has a special interest in working with and empowering nurses and healthcare providers. She happily calls Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada home. You can get loads of complimentary resources to help with issues such as work/life balance, wellness, stress management and happiness in general, as well as find out more information about her coaching and speaking services at http://www.YourLifeUnlimited.ca.

* Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), conferred by the National Speakers Association is the speaking profession’s international measure of professional platform proficiency. Less than 10 percent of speakers have earned this credential and are recognized as some of the best in their fields. Stephanie was one of only five professional speakers in Canada (and the only woman) to attain this designation in 2013.

The post Words Can Build and Words Can Break first appeared on Your Life Unlimited.

Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited