This is Your Absolutely Amazingly Fantastic Thriving Tip!!!!!!!!!!!!
Two weeks ago I conducted a Thriving in Chaos program for the Women’s Health Conference, sponsored by CentraCare in St. Cloud, MN. It was an exceptional program and I was very pleased with how well it was received by the audience. I decided to write something on the Thriving in Chaos Facebook page about it and had actually started typing the words: "I just finished an awesome and amazing program…" when I stopped. Suddenly it dawned on me that I use too many superlatives. In my mind, the program was awesome and amazing, but seeing those two words together made me pause.
When I was writing the book, Thriving in Chaos, I was told by my editors that I used too many exclamation points!!!!! I remember dismissing their comments as feedback from critical English teachers! I am an enthusiastic person, and as such, feel that many of my experiences are amazing and fantastic and THE BEST EVER! They really speak to my core. Yet, I also have to admit, that when everything is over the top wonderful, it is difficult to distinguish those truly outstanding moments.
Then I started to wonder if my flair for the dramatic – my use of over the top language to describe happy events – didn't translate to the negative events in my life as well. Do I use overly dramatic language to describe the bad things that happen? Do I over-exaggerate the negative things to make them sound worse than they are? And to what extent does this use of superlative language deny me the reality of my life?
I have a wonderful friend who supports my work and respects what I do. However, when I work for her and ask what she thinks about the program, I generally get the response, "It was very good." This is not the response that a superlative lover needs. Then again, a "very good" from this person is high praise indeed. So, as you think about the events of your life, good and bad, try to look at them with some clarity. Do they need a couple of exclamation points? Or will a nice period convey the essential message?
I hope you have a super-terrific amazing day!!!!!
Tracy
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Tracy Knofla
High Impact Training
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