‘I have to…’ is something I say all the time, and I’ve never really thought much about its connotations. About how this everyday example of ‘negative phrasing’ might detract from the privilege that is…being able to partake in even the most basic, everyday tasks.
I have to put the washing on!
I have to pick the kids up!
I have to cook dinner!
Just how different do these examples all sound, when the 'have' is replaced by 'get'?
Hearing Actress Reese Witherspoon advocate for the benefits of this simple tweak in language choice (the advantages of using ‘I get to…’ instead of ‘I have to…’) made me think, amongst other things, about my garden, and how I’ve so often bemoaned the lack of grass and ‘relaxing aesthetics.’
Mindful of the subconcious impact of language and words, however, I’m now trying to lead instead with..
I get to sit in a garden
I get to get clean out our new guinea pig friends… daily!
I get to hear the paddling pool arguments unfold as I settle into my book
I get to write it all down, and appreciate that there is a power in so doing!
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