I love words and language — in essence they are what define us as human. Just try to think about something — anything — without words popping up in your mind. It’s nearly impossible. Our words reflect who we are, and they also shape who we can become when we use them consciously. Often times we become enslaved by the words we use, by training or habit or laziness. Not particularly wanting to be enslaved (even by myself) I’ve been collecting strategies for using language more consciously, and thus be more the master of my thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

Which brings me to antonyms — an antonym is a word that is the opposite in meaning to another word. Fast - slow, hot - cold, happy - sad, that kind of thing. I sometimes use antonyms to help me choose how I want to be in a given situation.

Say I’m feeling nervous or afraid of something. If I’m alert enough to my state, I try to think of the antonym for what I’m feeling. Fearful becomes brave; nervous becomes calm. Then I think about what I would feel/say/do if I were experiencing that antonym, right now. And when I do that, the negative state I’m in tends to melt away and be replaced with something approaching that antonym.

Try it. Let me know how it works for you.