How many times have we gotten ourselves into a predicament because we spoke too soon?  Our emotions and sometimes the current predicament may make us feel as though we need to give a quick reply or lash out with a response.  But it is completely acceptable to think before you speak or wait and give an answer.

Weighing your options is wise.  Considering different scenarios is helpful.  Listening to what is being said and reading body language before speaking is beneficial.  Many times, speaking quickly doesn’t allow our brain time to fully process the situation and we may say something we later regret.  We may have to eat our own words.

If we can apply this simple, but sometimes difficult, principle to all areas of our lives, we will have happier and more fulfilled lives.  Consider the morning you were tired and frustrated and took that out on your child and wounded them.  What about the time you said something extremely hurtful to your spouse because you spoke too soon?  How many times have you confronted your supervisor without all the correct information?  Consider the time you said something in the heat of the moment and lost a good friend.  Thinking before we speak has many benefits.  Next time you are in a difficult situation, force yourself to process things and then speak.  You will probably thank yourself.

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. – Proverbs 18:21

~Coletta Jones Patterson

Coletta is an author, life coach, business executive and weekly blogger.  Connect with Coletta at info@moveu4ward.com.

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