A few days ago, my family, out of the blue began to quote the things that they say I say the most.

I initially pretended not to listen, hoping that they would back off. But then curiosity got the better of me, so I asked them to list my 20 most used phrases.

Without missing a beat, they began to quote me. In no time, they came up with a list of 20 quotes.

Here is a sampling:

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"Archieeeee!!" (in a shrill voice)

"I KNOW you guys heard me calling you!"

"Go ahead!" (in response to which my kids have discovered that it's best to abort the intended action)

"Has anyone seen my glasses?" (an almost daily occurrence)

"My phone is dead!" (despite owning numerous chargers as well as a power bank)

"I just want to look at the desert menu!" (after I've announced that I'm "so full")

"I over-ate."
"I'm going on a diet."
"I need to get back to the gym."

"Wake me up in 10 minutes, ok?" (never works!)

"I'm ONE person!"
"I'm not a robot!"
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It was hilarious, watching them go back and forth, imitating even my mannerisms and tone of voice.

But then I realized that something important was emerging from this simple exercise - I was able to stand back and see myself in a way I never had the opportunity to do before.

My most often used phrases were in every sense of the word, a direct reflection of me! My humor, my wit, my quirks...

My quotes also reflected the areas of my life where I struggle, like maintaining a healthy diet and work-out regimen. And hearing my quotes was a great way to call me out for my displays of impatience and sarcasm!

I was also kind of disappointed. I like to think that I say lots of wise and encouraging things every day. Yet my "wise and encouraging" words didn't dominate their Top 20 list.

But then I realized that this was precisely the beauty of doing this exercise with my nearest and dearest!! Because they are the people who know me best. They are the ones who see me in my unguarded moments.

And through them, I received a gift that was just priceless; the gift of self-insight.

It's a well-established principle in psychology that a person's thoughts directly influence their emotions and their actions. And the Word of God teaches this. "...for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.." (Luke 6:45)

My top 20 list was clear evidence of this. My words were a product of my thoughts. And through my words I could identify my stressors as well as the behaviors that detract me from walking in the purpose that God has ordained for me.

So now, armed with this new insight, I was faced with a decision. Continue as is? Or begin a process of changing the behaviors that don't serve me well?

The ball is in my court, and I'm happy to report that I'm choosing to work on my flaws.

It's a great exercise - try it out!

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