Words cast spells—and many of us are walking around speaking curses over our lives without realizing it using low-vibe language. Your words don’t just describe your life—they direct it.

Every time you say, “I’m broke,” you’re affirming scarcity. When you sigh, “It’s always something,” you’re locking in a belief that struggle is constant. Even common phrases like “Good morning” or calling a tank top a “wife-beater” hold energy and origins that don’t align with the life we say we want.

This isn’t about being perfect or overly “woke” with your words, nor does it mean you go around correcting everybody that does. That just gets weird and can come across as spiritually bougie and judgmental. Focus on you and your awareness that language holds frequency. And some of the phrases we’ve normalized are keeping us spiritually, emotionally, and even physically stuck.

This #SoulFoodSunday, let’s talk about it.

The Power of the Spoken Word

In metaphysical science and spiritual traditions alike, the spoken word is sacred. Sound is vibration. Thought is energy. And when those thoughts become words—especially repeated ones—they begin to shape reality.

“In the beginning was the Word…” (John 1:1).
In ancient Egypt, words were believed to hold heka, or spiritual force.
With the practice of metaphysics, affirmation is one of the most powerful tools to reprogram the subconscious.

So, when we casually speak defeat, illness, chaos, or violence, we are reinforcing patterns that no longer serve us. This is especially important for women doing inner healing work—language is one of our most accessible tools to recalibrate and reclaim.

Let’s break down five common phrases and the vibrations they carry.

Phrase 1: “I’m Broke” (Reinforcing Scarcity)

This one might sound harmless, especially if you grew up hearing it. But “I’m broke” literally affirms brokenness—financially, energetically, emotionally.

And that’s the problem. “Broke” isn’t just about a temporary lack of funds. It implies you are damaged. That something is wrong with you. That you are without. And when you identify with lack, you subconsciously reject abundance.

Origin:

The term “broke” dates back to the 17th century, rooted in the idea of something being ruptured or bankrupt. Over time, it became slang for having no money.

But in Black communities, “I’m broke” took on deeper meaning. It was more than not having cash—it was the lived experience of being systemically locked out of wealth, access, and opportunity. From post-slavery poverty to Jim Crow-era limits to the modern wealth gap, being “broke” became both a survival reality and a cultural expression of making do with less.

We said it with humor. With resilience. With grit. But now? We get to say something new.

Try This Instead:

• “Money’s flowing slowly right now.”
• “Funds are being redirected.”
• “I’m in a budgeting season.”
• “Abundance is on its way.”
• Or simply: Say nothing at all.

When Someone Asks for Money:

If someone asks you for financial help and you genuinely can’t (or don’t want to), it’s okay to protect your energy without apologizing for your boundaries.

Instead of “I’m broke” or “I don’t have it,” try:

• “That’s not something I can support financially right now.”
• “I’m prioritizing other responsibilities at the moment.”
• “I’m not in a position to give, but I hope you find the support you need.”
• “That’s not in flow for me at this time.”

Bonus practice: Start affirming, “I am resourceful” even when you feel the pinch. It shifts the energy from lack to creative power.

Phrase 2: “It’s Always Something” (Calling in Chaos)

Ahh, the classic sigh of exasperation.

We say this when it feels like we can’t catch a break. But the phrase trains our brain to expect disruption and chaos. It hardwires our nervous system to scan for problems—so even when things are going well, we might subconsciously sabotage peace just to prove this phrase right.

Energetic Consequences:

This statement becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If it’s always something, the universe will mirror that belief. Even metaphysically, this phrase signals that you expect life to be a relentless stream of stress and hardship.

Try This Instead:

• “Things are shifting, and I’m adjusting.”
• “This too shall pass.”
• “I’m open to solutions.”
• “Today has layers, and I’m breathing through them.”
• “Life is teaching me something right now.”

Soul tip: When you feel overwhelmed, pause and say out loud, “I choose peace in the middle of this.” Even if you don’t feel it yet, your body will respond.

Phrase 3: “Good Morning” (Unintentionally Affirming Grief)

This one might surprise you. It seems innocent enough. But in metaphysical and spiritual circles, some question the vibration of the word “mourning”—as in grief or loss.

Yes, “morning” as a time of day comes from the Old English morgen. But phonetically, it sounds identical to mourning, and many intuitives believe we absorb the emotional vibration of words even when used in different contexts.

Plus, think about how robotic and rushed “Good morning” can feel. There’s rarely any actual intention behind it.

Try This Instead:

• “Good day.” (this is my go-to)
• “Grand rising.” (popular in spiritual communities)
• “Blessings.”
• “Joyful awakening.”
• Or just: “Peace.”

Be intentional: Whatever you choose, let it carry presence. Don’t just say it out of habit. Say it with soul.

Phrase 4: “Wife-Beater” (Normalizing Violence Through Language)

This one needs to go. Period.

The term “wife-beater” to describe a sleeveless undershirt is rooted in violence and trauma—yet it’s still used casually in fashion and slang. It originated in 1947 after a man in Detroit wearing such a tank top was arrested for beating his wife. The media ran with it. And the nickname stuck. Since then, it has consistently been used in pop culture and daily communication. I especially cringe when I hear women use the term!

Why This Is So Harmful:

It normalizes domestic violence. It makes abuse a joke. And for survivors, it can be triggering as hell. Using this term contributes to a culture where violence against women is trivialized or overlooked.

Say This Instead:

• “A-line tank top.”
• “Sleeveless tee.”
• “Undershirt.”
• “Ribbed cotton tank.”
• Or just “Tank-top.”

Let’s be part of the shift that refuses to joke about pain—especially not in our closets.

Phrase 5: “I’m Sick” (Claiming Dis-ease as Identity)

Words are spells, and the body listens. When we constantly say, “I’m sick,” we reinforce illness on a cellular level.

Of course, acknowledging when you don’t feel well is important. This isn’t about spiritual bypassing. But there’s a difference between honoring your healing process and identifying with dis-ease.

In metaphysical teachings—especially those echoed in You Can Heal Your Life and The Body Keeps the Score—sickness is often seen as a message, not a life sentence.

Try This Instead:

• “I’m healing.”
• “My body is restoring itself.”
• “I’m moving through something right now.”
• “My immune system is working hard.”
• “I’m listening to what my body needs.”

Quick tip: Every time you feel off, place your hand on your heart and say, “I am safe. I am supported. I am healing.” You’d be surprised how powerful that is.

Why This All Matters

You may be thinking—It’s just words. Is it really that deep?

Yes. It’s exactly that deep.

Language reflects your beliefs. Your beliefs shape your thoughts which informs your emotions. Your emotions guide your behavior. And your behavior builds your reality.

When you speak with intention, you give yourself permission to vibrate higher. You create a new mental script. You plant new seeds.

And those seeds bloom into something beautiful over time—clarity, peace, wholeness, alignment.

This is the heart of Don Miguel Ruiz’s first agreement in The Four Agreements: Be impeccable with your word. That means speak truth. Speak healing. Speak only what you truly desire to manifest.

It doesn’t mean you never vent. It means you’re mindful about what you’re creating with your words—because your soul is listening.

Reclaim Your Vocabulary, Reclaim Your Vibration

I’m not here to police your vocabulary; my intent is to plant a seed of awareness. Let this be your loving reminder that you are not powerless. You are not broken. You are not doomed to repeat the same scripts. The words you choose are one of the easiest yet most profound ways to begin shifting your life.

A Few More Phrases to Rework:

Low-Vibe Phrase	Higher-Vibe Alternative
I’m trying.	I’m doing my best.
I can’t afford it.	It’s not in the budget right now.
I’m tired of people.	I’m learning healthy boundaries.
I’m unlucky.	I’m aligning with better outcomes.
I’m overwhelmed.	I’m processing a lot right now.

Start small. Choose one phrase a week to replace. Say it out loud. Catch yourself with compassion when old habits show up.

Final Thoughts: Speak Only of Those Things You Want

Language is energy. And your energy is sacred.

Speak with intention, power, and love. You don’t have to claim what you don’t want to carry. You don’t have to reinforce patterns you’re trying to break. And you definitely don’t have to keep using language passed down from oppression, trauma, or low-consciousness culture.

We’re healing out loud now.

Soul Practice for the Week: Rewire Your Words, Realign Your Life

Take inventory of the phrases that roll off your tongue without thought. Write down three common expressions you use that feel heavy, disempowering, or outdated. Cross them out—literally. Then rewrite them as high-vibration affirmations that speak life, not lack.

Tape them to your mirror. Speak them aloud each morning. Don’t just read them—declare them like your spirit is listening. Because it is.

This isn’t just about changing your language. It’s about shifting your frequency. You’re not just editing your vocabulary—you’re editing your reality.

Your words are sacred. They’re creative. They are your daily declaration of what you believe and expect from life.

So ask yourself this—are my words building me up or binding me to what I’ve outgrown?

Speak like you’ve already been set free.
Speak like your future self is listening.
Because she is.

And she’s counting on you to keep your word.

Protect your frequency. Elevate your vocabulary. Speak like your future depends on it—because in many ways, it does.

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