How many times have you thought of something you admire about someone, yet have held your tongue instead of telling them? "She is such a hard worker." "He has the kindest heart." "They are inspiring." -Thought bubbles that pop before they ever make their way out of our mouths.

In our society today, almost everyone is suffering from Awkward Silence Phobia- a real and threatening condition. Symptoms include avoiding doing things that are out of the ordinary or speaking your mind because risking the strange reaction or the scathing silence that may follow is too dangerous of a gamble. Now I'm no doctor, but my prognosis is that the world can be changed when we choose to speak up, awkward or not.

We all need words of affirmation. We need these positive thought warriors in our minds to combat the self-doubt when it tries to creep in. Speak your truth with as much abandon as a child. Adjust your filter to allow all of your light, compassion, and benevolence to flow freely.

Look, no one is a mind reader. Even when we think it may be totally obvious that someone knows how we feel about them, or how wonderful they are, there is always the chance of a miscommunication unless we are clear about the way we feel. Don't leave anything left to speculation, tell people how you feel about them. No one wastes their last breaths saying, "I wish I hadn't told my family I loved them more". Or, "I wish I hadn't forgiven my friend." So, be intentional with yours while your lungs are full of air and preach kindness into the atmosphere.

Tell the ones you love, you love them. Let those who have changed your life know how much they mean to you. Express to everyone their irreplaceable value. Even if you don't know someone, a little compliment can go a long way. So, to the cashier at McDonald's, your cheery voice made my day every time you already know, yes, I would love fries with that. To the lady who always dances on her way to class, you make me smile and put a little pep in my step, even at 8:30 in the morning. And to the gentleman who sits in front of me in Calculus, your makeup is beyond fierce.

Strap on your love vacuum and watch as you suck all the negativity out of our world. Because the next time she thinks "I'm just not smart enough," she'll remember your "you can do anything you put your heart into". And when he feels empowered to be himself, he will remember your encouragement and love that made him feel supported to do so. Release your positive energy like fireworks lighting up the world. Because your words make a difference. Your words can help someone, your thoughts will lie with you.

As incredible as it sounds, the world can be changed with each sound and syllable carried on the puffs of air we expel. Your words hold immense power, use them for good. Remember that if you change one person's world, you change the world. So, when you have love on your lips or an inclination for a kind exclamation, spread your love, proclaim that positivity, and say it.