Thinking Before You Speak

Almost everyone has been guilty at one time or other of speaking something out loud and then regretting it. Once spoken, words cannot be taken back, plus words are powerful and can have devastating effects.

Today, thinking before you speak is extremely important, especially when it comes to using social media online. It is so easy to log into your Facebook or Twitter account and vent your feelings and frustrations or just reply to a post that angers you.

Once you hit that post or Tweet button, your words are out there on the internet for everyone to see. While everyone is free to voice their opinions, if you are blasting a person for a controversial post, you need to be careful. Your words could come back to haunt you!

This has happened to many people and they immediately regret what they posted. If you read something online that makes you very angry, think about the different ways your reply could affect people. This might be family or friends or what if your employer read the message? Could it get you in serious trouble at work?

If you want to be viewed as a successful person, then you really need to take the time to think about all your actions first, not just speaking out loud. Thinking before you speak is actually considered a trait that a person with a winning mindset displays. Every action has a consequence and you should never forget that.

Many times it is often better to let a stressful situation pass without you responding in the open. You can still rant and rave in the privacy of your own home or to your spouse, but it is not always best to rant out in the open, especially if what you are saying can be taken out of context.

Of course, there are times when the power of your words will be a great thing! If you have a solid reputation, voicing your opinion could help in a situation. This applies to helping raise money for a cause or charity or just providing more exposure for a particular topic.

Always keep in mind that your words will reflect both your personality and your intelligence. Get into the habit of choosing your words carefully and when responding to something online, think about your actions first. If you can help improve or defend a situation, then replying may be worth it.

For the ultimate decision of whether to post or rant, decide how a family member that sees your reply would feel... will they be ashamed, embarrassed or upset by it? If so, don't hit the send button.

What should you do with these feelings and words you'd like to spout off? Take them to a private journal. Often, you can take ten minutes to free-write in a journal and release the angry words or opinions. At the end of the day, it isn't worth getting upset, antagonizing others, or harboring any negativity. Release it and move on.

Social media has certainly opened up new ways to communicate...sometimes the watercooler talk is about the latest Presidential tweet or the sparring of one celebrity with another. 

Instead, stay positive. Let your words truly represent you, YOUR reality, and your intentions. Don't participate in gossip, negative name calling, or judgment. 

I hope you'll let kindness ripple with each communication you choose to participate in, send, or speak of.

Cheers!

Lisa

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