Everyone talks about them. Some are hesitant about them, while others are annoyed by them. And some, like me, keep them.

I’m talking about New Year’s resolutions, and I’ve kept one from years ago. It resulted from an interaction with a receptionist in a doctor’s office. “Here is your referral for your mammogram,” she said, but her words, though simple and mundane, were delivered in such a pleasant tone that prompted me to say, “Thank you.” I leaned toward the desk and added, “And stay as sweet as you are. “What did you say?” She paused. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me lately.”

After I left the doctor’s office, I pondered on the power words can have.

When my hubby came home that night I gave him the usual peck. “Honey,” I said. “Do you know how much I look forward to you coming home?”

His tight hug reinforced my theory. Words spoken are like a fishing line. Cast them out and you’re sure to reel something in.

Caring words reel in pleasant results. Conversely, raw words that cut through the heart bring back unhealthy animosity. And whining remarks wear the soul. Comedian Lily Tomlin probably agrees with the last statement, as she once said, “Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain.”

But the contrary is also true; people have a deep need to be encouraged. Positive and kind words are available at all times and in the long run, bring returns that increase the value of one’s character.

So, I decided to put this theory to a test with telemarketers. Whenever they call, I cast kind words and wait. They’re oftentimes caught off guard and reactions vary. Some allow moments of silence to fill the line. But sometimes, the response is an emotional, “No one has ever been this nice to me! Thank you!”

Since I work on the phone dealing with clients all day long, I sometimes encounter folks who nearly ignite the line with angry words. But then I remember that the Bible says “Gentle words turn down wrath.” Before my thoughts prompt my tongue to move, I try to remember that encouraging words uplift spirits. Praising words fuel the soul, but harsh words spread gloom. What’s more, sincere words presented with a smile are like tracing a colorful rainbow across the gray skies of life.

As this New Year begins presenting opportunities to make a difference, I think I’ll continue to give silver boxes, which is the term author Florence Littauer gave to kind words.

How about you, do you have any silver boxes to hand out?

Janet Perez Eckles http://www.janetperezeckles.com/ jeckles@cfl.rr.com

Janet is an inspirational speaker, writer and author of a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and insights to warm the heart. Its title, “Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life.”