As simple as it is, this sentence can be a real glimmer of hope.
You should never underestimate the weight of words. Even if we don’t necessarily realize it, what we say always has an impact: it can brighten someone’s day, comfort, embarrass, hurt or echo any memory. “A person can transform a life with simple words. And among the kindest things you can say to someone is a phrase that has immense power and has the potential to uplift and inspire. says Jeffrey Bernstein, psychologist and author in Psychology Today.
As concise as it is, this phrase can be a real beacon of hope for someone, especially in times of doubt or difficulty. “It acts as the catalyst necessary for the person to persevere, engage positively in any project, do their best or not feel alone in their life journey“, justifies the expert. Saying this sentence amounts to offering the person you are talking to a feeling of validation and encouragement, but also to fully recognizing their abilities, their potential and their strengths. It can, for example, be said to a loved one who lack of self-confidence to carry out a new project or in a professional context where self-esteem can quickly waver and doubt can quickly set in.
Whether it’s a friend who is embarking on a new project, a teenager who is going through a complex period or a family member who is pursuing a personal goal, you should try to tell them “I believe in you”, insists the psychologist, which is more motivating and galvanizing than “you will get there”. Speaking in the first person is more impactful for the recipient, making them feel better understood and valued. Here, the “I” is not an egocentric “I”, but an “I” directed towards the other.
The impact of kind words goes far beyond the initial recipient. “When you say a kind word, you not only encourage the person you are saying it to, but you also spread kindness and positivity. The domino effect of kind words can thus help create a more empathetic and healthier environment, beneficial to everyone.“, he concludes.