Day 38 - Words #DailyGratitude
Nov 7, 2025
A reflection on words, how language shapes connection, honesty, and empathy, and how using words with care can make a lasting positive impact.
Every weekday morning, Zak goes live on his community, Take Action Daily, to chat with members about the daily word of gratitude and the key question. Enjoy reading today's summary from the live call below.
Today’s word of gratitude was words, which felt unusual at first. I spend every morning reflecting on one word, but turning that focus toward the concept of words themselves felt different. It reminded me how deeply language shapes every part of life, how we think, how we connect, and how we make sense of the world.
The Power of Language
Everything we experience, every relationship, idea, and emotion, is filtered through language. Different languages even shape different ways of seeing the world. It made me reflect on how our vocabulary can either limit or expand our imagination, and how grateful I am to be able to express, listen, and learn through words.
Using Words With Care
Words can lift or wound. I was reminded of this ahead of a meeting today with someone whose first language isn’t English, a situation that will require patience, clarity, and empathy. My reflection for the day is to use clear, positive language, stay calm when communication feels difficult, and focus on understanding, not just being understood.
Education, Expression, and Empathy
One of our community members shared a powerful story about asking his dad, “What excites you the most?” When his dad said, “I don’t know,” he followed up with, “What would you say if you weren’t allowed to say I don’t know?”
That single question opened a conversation about childhood, school, and how discipline had once silenced curiosity. It reminded us that our relationship with words begins early, and that environments where we feel safe to speak and express ourselves are something to be profoundly grateful for.
The Honesty in Finding the Right Words
We also reflected on the courage it takes to pause mid-conversation and correct ourselves, to say, “Actually, that’s not what I meant.” That honesty deepens understanding and strengthens trust. The more intentional we are with language, the fewer misunderstandings we create.
Connection Through Conversation
A short message, a kind comment, a quick check-in, these small gestures can change someone’s day. Too often, we stop ourselves with thoughts like “They’re probably busy” or “It’ll be awkward.” But most people want to feel seen and remembered.
Movember itself is built on that truth, it’s a reminder of the power of speaking up and checking in. Every word we share has the potential to connect and heal.
Reflection
We closed the call by recognising that these conversations shouldn’t stay within the community. If something said here could reach someone who needs it, then sharing it is part of our purpose.
Today’s reflection question:
How can you use your words to make a positive impact today?
That might mean:
• Speaking kindly when under pressure.
• Sending a message you’ve been meaning to send.
• Asking a deeper question and really listening.
• Or simply speaking gently to yourself.
Have a great day!
Zak Sylvester
Today’s word of gratitude was words, which felt unusual at first. I spend every morning reflecting on one word, but turning that focus toward the concept of words themselves felt different. It reminded me how deeply language shapes every part of life, how we think, how we connect, and how we make sense of the world.
The Power of Language
Everything we experience, every relationship, idea, and emotion, is filtered through language. Different languages even shape different ways of seeing the world. It made me reflect on how our vocabulary can either limit or expand our imagination, and how grateful I am to be able to express, listen, and learn through words.
Using Words With Care
Words can lift or wound. I was reminded of this ahead of a meeting today with someone whose first language isn’t English, a situation that will require patience, clarity, and empathy. My reflection for the day is to use clear, positive language, stay calm when communication feels difficult, and focus on understanding, not just being understood.
Education, Expression, and Empathy
One of our community members shared a powerful story about asking his dad, “What excites you the most?” When his dad said, “I don’t know,” he followed up with, “What would you say if you weren’t allowed to say I don’t know?”
That single question opened a conversation about childhood, school, and how discipline had once silenced curiosity. It reminded us that our relationship with words begins early, and that environments where we feel safe to speak and express ourselves are something to be profoundly grateful for.
The Honesty in Finding the Right Words
We also reflected on the courage it takes to pause mid-conversation and correct ourselves, to say, “Actually, that’s not what I meant.” That honesty deepens understanding and strengthens trust. The more intentional we are with language, the fewer misunderstandings we create.
Connection Through Conversation
A short message, a kind comment, a quick check-in, these small gestures can change someone’s day. Too often, we stop ourselves with thoughts like “They’re probably busy” or “It’ll be awkward.” But most people want to feel seen and remembered.
Movember itself is built on that truth, it’s a reminder of the power of speaking up and checking in. Every word we share has the potential to connect and heal.
Reflection
We closed the call by recognising that these conversations shouldn’t stay within the community. If something said here could reach someone who needs it, then sharing it is part of our purpose.
Today’s reflection question:
How can you use your words to make a positive impact today?
That might mean:
• Speaking kindly when under pressure.
• Sending a message you’ve been meaning to send.
• Asking a deeper question and really listening.
• Or simply speaking gently to yourself.
Have a great day!
Zak Sylvester
Today’s word of gratitude was words, which felt unusual at first. I spend every morning reflecting on one word, but turning that focus toward the concept of words themselves felt different. It reminded me how deeply language shapes every part of life, how we think, how we connect, and how we make sense of the world.
The Power of Language
Everything we experience, every relationship, idea, and emotion, is filtered through language. Different languages even shape different ways of seeing the world. It made me reflect on how our vocabulary can either limit or expand our imagination, and how grateful I am to be able to express, listen, and learn through words.
Using Words With Care
Words can lift or wound. I was reminded of this ahead of a meeting today with someone whose first language isn’t English, a situation that will require patience, clarity, and empathy. My reflection for the day is to use clear, positive language, stay calm when communication feels difficult, and focus on understanding, not just being understood.
Education, Expression, and Empathy
One of our community members shared a powerful story about asking his dad, “What excites you the most?” When his dad said, “I don’t know,” he followed up with, “What would you say if you weren’t allowed to say I don’t know?”
That single question opened a conversation about childhood, school, and how discipline had once silenced curiosity. It reminded us that our relationship with words begins early, and that environments where we feel safe to speak and express ourselves are something to be profoundly grateful for.
The Honesty in Finding the Right Words
We also reflected on the courage it takes to pause mid-conversation and correct ourselves, to say, “Actually, that’s not what I meant.” That honesty deepens understanding and strengthens trust. The more intentional we are with language, the fewer misunderstandings we create.
Connection Through Conversation
A short message, a kind comment, a quick check-in, these small gestures can change someone’s day. Too often, we stop ourselves with thoughts like “They’re probably busy” or “It’ll be awkward.” But most people want to feel seen and remembered.
Movember itself is built on that truth, it’s a reminder of the power of speaking up and checking in. Every word we share has the potential to connect and heal.
Reflection
We closed the call by recognising that these conversations shouldn’t stay within the community. If something said here could reach someone who needs it, then sharing it is part of our purpose.
Today’s reflection question:
How can you use your words to make a positive impact today?
That might mean:
• Speaking kindly when under pressure.
• Sending a message you’ve been meaning to send.
• Asking a deeper question and really listening.
• Or simply speaking gently to yourself.
Have a great day!
Zak Sylvester
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Create real impact through stories that inspire change
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