I’ve noticed lately that in our speech, we tend to use a lot of throwaway language. Language designed to dissemble, to give us an out in case we are not well received. I’ve noticed that this habit waters down our conversations, our connections, our power and our lives. It keeps us not quite meeting one another. It sidesteps whatever it is we are saying and tells our audience that it doesn’t matter.

This year, I invite you to look at your own language. Do you use throwaway language to take the power out of your speech? When does that happen? How does it impact what you have to say? This year, I challenge you to stand in the power of what you have to say. Let your words be direct. Don’t throw away the gift you have to offer when you speak.

Why does this matter especially to magic workers, priests and priestesses? It matters because by using throwaway language regularly we get in the habit of being willing to throw away the power we are working with. We get in the habit of intentionally blurring the focus of what we have to say, of undermining it ourselves. Habits are pervasive. If we develop this habit in our speech, in the way we manage the energy of our relationships, we will very likely find it creeping into our magic, our mediation, our prayer, taking the power out of the work we’re doing. Your work is needed in the world. It’s needed in all its strength and power. Don’t throw it away.