Think Before You Talk

Dear One, sometimes you say things that hurt others without thinking. You are young and it’s natural to make this kind of mistake. You are learning that perhaps it’s a good thing to recognize how your words affect others and stop yourself if your words are in question. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If what you feel or think isn’t positive then it’s a good idea to stop and think about what that’s about and hold off on saying anything. Sometimes your negative feelings have nothing to do with the other person and are simply a projection of something from your past. Take it slow. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and think how you would feel if the words you are thinking of saying were said to you. Then when you have got that insight, say what you need to in a way that offers something positive. On the other hand you might find your self saying nothing or even opening yourself to something you hadn’t considered before. It’s all for learning.