The language police won't leave me alone

Many times over the years, I've received messages from people saying I shouldn't say certain words or phrases.

They tell me it's not inclusive, might offend some, or just isn't proper, etc.

Just recently, I received a small essay about why using the term 'guys' was problematic.

I expect to continue receiving messages like these because I refuse to have my words policed.

It's not simply that I'm a stubborn old mule. I believe language policing does far more harm than good.

It makes people walk on eggshells. We're forced to self-censor and second-guess what we say.

And when it comes to expressive creativity, we have to sand down every rough edge until our presence is lifeless and forgettable.

That's if we care to appease everyone, which is actually terrible for your identity, happiness and brand.

Self-expression dies when you're constantly checking yourself against someone else's rulebook. And abundant, free and healthy self-expression must be defended with rigour.

Note, I'm not talking about being gratuitously nasty. You're not a bloody caveman.

You know when you're crossing that line.

I'm talking about showing up expressively - the real you - emotionally and authentically, for the people who actually get you. Because you can't please everyone.

What's most important in all this is your intention.

If you say offensive things and it's coming from a place of resentment or anger, that's no bueno.

But you're not here to do that…are you?

Your intention is to energise the important people in your life.

You deny them this when you play it safe.

Have good intentions for the people worth writing, creating, and being there for. Combine that with your awareness of what people need to hear, with full expressive language, and you've got something great.

Some people will dislike it. Big whoop. They weren't your people anyway.

The alternative is hobbling about with a stick up your butt because you're worried about offending some stranger on the Internet.

This kind of dumbed-down, politically correct nonsense makes for a bland, approved-by-committee personality that offends nobody and moves nobody.

Many of you are writers or want to write things that move people.

You can write safely, policing your own words, and be ignored.

Or you can write honestly without worrying about the words you use, annoy a few, and see your influence spread.

Allow yourself today to express yourself a little bit more than usual.

You can always edit later (if it's writing), and you always have that intelligent part of you who knows when what you're saying is coming from an angrier place.

Don't dim your light because some people dislike your words.

If you'd like to explore your full, expressive and authentic self in the coming weeks, whether through writing or being around people, you might like this:

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Seeya,

Alex