A word I hear a lot (and that can be so de-valuing) is the word “JUST”.  There are certain words in our vocabulary that are like filler words, yet hold so much power and meaning. Unfortunately the word “just” is the wrong kind of power. 

I recently attended a meeting where one of the participants said “I am JUST the support staff”.  The words hit me like a slap in the face, and a little voice from inside crept out and said “Just?  You ARE the Support Staff, a valuable member of the team!

This got me thinking about or of how many times I have said on a voice mail message “Hi there… it is JUST Charmaine calling”  Some words can devalue a person or the message: “just” is one of them.  My challenge for you is to see how many times you can eliminate the word “JUST” in your written and verbal communication this week, and find words of strength instead.