Think before you Speak

Words are very powerful, it does not matter if it is written, spoken, or through gestures. Even a single word can impact hugely on somebody, can change someone's mind and views in life. That's why we should always keep in mind to think before we speak.

Our words have the capacity to alter something, a single word can change a whole situation real quick. I thought of this because of what happened the last time. When a friend of my cousin visited at their house.

Everything was fine, they both shared laughter, but one word was enough to ruin that very moment. My cousin's sister unintentionally spoken something which changed the whole fun mood into a soundless juncture.

“You look very happy, I thought you're heartbroken!”

She uttered these words in front of everyone. The guy smiled, but looking at him you'll see that he looked embarrassed and ashamed. A few minutes ago, he asked. for permission to leave. After that, my cousin's sister didn't realize she has said something offensive.

The guy just came from a break up for some weeks. And he felt he was betrayed as he only told his problems most especially about his feelings to his friends including my cousin. The moment he heard my cousin's sister spoken those words gave him the indication that his friend (my cousin)has told his secrets to his elder sister. Then the trust and morale were quite harmed on their friendship.

In your life, do you also have the same experience in which you have said something you wish you didn't? I guess we all have that juncture. Maybe, it's just inevitable, part of human nature. But some people tend to do this frequently which isn't healthful.

We can never judge or tell the true emotions of a person visually. Some people manage to smile despite the sadness they feel deep inside. That's why we should always connect our tongue to our brain before saying anything against somebody. We never know what someone is going through, or how they will accept our opinions, our words. We tend to raise our voice and spoke words quickly without thinking it twice especially when we're mad or in any hurtful state. Surely, if we're too emotional our mind is a bit weary, directing to committing wrong choices of words and actions. Well, that's part of being human, yet we can practice good habits to avoid it from happening.

You can always be extra careful with your words if you truly want to. When facing tough situations, it's better to take a pause and listen to silence. To be able to comprehend what you are intending to do or to say. But, who says being positive can't give you missteps? If you're too happy or excited, you'll certainly utter some words that will give hope to others or some inspiration. And your statements will be kept, but if by chance you didn't fulfill what you've been said, you just broke trust by giving false hopes or broken promises.

Words are an extremely strong tool in this world. One false statement can make others look at you in discomfort. One wrong choice of words will give extra implications to your speech and will shift around moments. Always be mindful of your words and remember to think before speaking.

I found these acronyms as a reminder that before speaking we should first think if it is true, of it is helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind.

Is it True?

Thinking before speaking is very important, and what these acronyms stand for is that you need to think first if what you're about to say is true. As a lot of fake news and misconceptions are circulating nowadays, we need to be more careful with the information and data we're about to tell somebody. You don't want to be the reason for misunderstanding right?

Is it Helpful?

Your words can be a cause of conflicts yet they can be beneficial. Think first if your words are helpful to someone and always think of their impact on others before saying anything. You can give some advice but not all advice are valid and advisable. That's why you must think if you're helpful to someone if you'll state your opinion.

Is it Inspiring?

Some people mistaken bragging to inspire. When sharing your experiences or tremendous moments with someone talking about it might be boastful to someone. Pay attention to the right words and gestures while telling your accomplishment. Also, giving some motivational statements must be factual and clear. Make sure that you're after to inspire and not to show off.

Is it Necessary?

Honestly, for me, there are some words or instances wherein some words are best not to spoken. Think first of that message you're about to tell somebody is truly necessary or important to be told. Because there is some information that isn't true and substantial to be discussed just like some private or personal experiences and backgrounds.

Is it Kind?

Are you sure that your words can't damage someone? Make sure that your words have compassion, is gentle, with concern, care, and courtesy. It's not only treating people with kindness that matters but also saying your words with kindness too. Just like what I've said, you never know what someone has gone through. Always give people the benefit of the doubt before jumping to conclusions.

If you're not comfortable or confident with the words you're about to speak, you can always make a pause. Clear your mind, and don't let your emotions control you. Don't skip to take a deep breath and think twice or thrice or a couple of times before saying anything else. Your words are influential and you can never really tell how they will affect people around you. It could be hope for some, it could bring joy and happiness, it can motivate or inspire, yet, it could make things worst. So, bear in mind that you are what you speak. Choose the appropriate words that best blend with your gestures and actions.

And what my elders always tell me is to never say something like there's no tomorrow. As we can never tell what tomorrow will bring us.

Written by: @eommaZel ✍🏻🥀