What if, as an experiment, whenever you opened your mouth to speak, you stopped…
and thought…
about the effect your words might have
about how what you say might be heard
about how you would feel in the listener’s place
I wonder.
Most of the time, even after thinking, you’d probably continue to speak. And it would be ok.
But maybe… sometimes… the thoughts you had about the words you were about to say might motivate you…
to say something kinder or gentler
less judgmental
more positive
or, to say nothing at all
I might just give it a try.
100 Words, 05/21/2008
An update for 2014 – some food for thought especially for bloggers
What if, as an experiment, whenever you prepared to share a post, you stopped…
and thought…
about the effect your words might have
about how what you write might be taken
about how you would feel in the reader’s place
I wonder.
Most of the time, even after thinking, you’d probably decide to post. And it would be ok.
But maybe… sometimes… the thoughts you had about the words you were about to share might motivate you…
to write something kinder or gentler
less judgmental
more positive
or, to write nothing at all
I might just give it a try.
What do you think?
Please share!
Twitter: BatteredHope
May 26, 2014
I used to put my foot in my mouth a lot. It taught me to never do it again. For the past few years I practice what you suggested. Sometimes it is hard to bite your tongue but a lot less stressful. There is always a way to get your point across in a kinder, gentler manner.
carol graham recently posted… Wouldn’t You Love To Be A Fly On The Wall?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 27, 2014
I totally agree, Carol. And I’m learning that sometimes I it’s best just to keep some things to yourself!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 4
Twitter: RamblinGarden
May 26, 2014
I think my quiet nature helps me stop and think – except when I get emotional. I was getting quite emotional over writing my blog post today, as the subject matter made me think of my late father. I did step back a little. Your post gives excellent advice.
Alana recently posted… A Scrap of Silk and a Virtual Blood Chit
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 27, 2014
Thank you, Alana. I think it’s a lesson we all need to learn in some way or another.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 4
Twitter: dramamamafive
May 26, 2014
Laurel,
After I write a post, I always pause before hitting “post” and pray that it will be a blessing to those that read it. We have such (potential) power in being able to reach so many people with our words, so easily. And you know the saying . . . with great power, etc.
Amy recently posted… Visiting Mary and Elna, and their flowers, too
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 27, 2014
I agree, Amy! I really think putting our words out there is a responsibility as well as a right.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 4
Thinking before I speak has been a big goal of mine this year – one I’m still working on. Thinking before I post is also a good reminder – thank you.
Lana recently posted… Looking Forward To Hot Flashes
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 27, 2014
You’re welcome, Lana. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 4
I love this. We all could stand to be a little more positive, couldn’t we?
Stephanie Faris recently posted… No Street Clothes
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 27, 2014
I think so, Stephanie!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 4
Twitter: Wordwrights, Ink
May 27, 2014
Like my Dad always says: Keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool or open it and remove all doubt!
Diane recently posted… Slithery Dee
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 27, 2014
LOL, well said!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 4
Twitter: beloome
May 28, 2014
Loved it. Totally. I can practice this more when writing, but must remember this while speaking too. Be gentler, kinder, a little more positive. Thanks Laurel for writing this 🙂
Beloo Mehra recently posted… Designing Mom
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 28, 2014
You are welcome. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Maya Angelou, April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014
Twitter: suzyq1810
May 28, 2014
Interesting thought. I shall try to be more mindful when I speak and write. Inspire and be inspired. A very thought provoking post. Thanks for sharing.
Suzy recently posted… Innocence
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 28, 2014
You’re welcome. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Maya Angelou, April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014
Twitter: pravs
May 28, 2014
Reminds me of a quote I came across many many moons back………
Beware of the words you say
keep them short and sweet
you never know from day to day
which ones u might have to eat
PhenoMenon
Pheno Menon recently posted… Trinity Sculpture of Elephanta Caves
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 28, 2014
Oh, I love that quote! Thank you for sharing.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Maya Angelou, April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014
Laurel, well said. If all of us simply tried a little harder to think before speaking, the hurts of the world would be solved. Sharing.
Michelle Liew recently posted… A Sweet Reunion
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 28, 2014
Thank you, Michelle. I totally agree!
As a Christian, and one who has been the bearer of pain to others enough already, it is my ‘calling’ as it were, to ‘think first and procede after,’ in this area. My offences began when I was a teen. They taught me that thoughless, though innocent babbelings can and do hurt others. The discipline of thinking first takes practice and committment. Cw
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 29, 2014
It really does, and sometimes it just seems to be so contrary to our nature! Thank you for sharing.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Maya Angelou, April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014
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