It was a hard lesson for me to learn to engage my brain before I put my mouth in first gear. There have been so many times that I would blab something out to the universe without thinking. That has been one of the most difficult lessons for me to learn. Taking a few seconds to think before I speak has helped me grow into a calmer, slower person. I am not running a word race. Hurrying through life in words and in deeds has not given me time to appreciate things around me. Slowing down does not mean slow minded; it gives me moments to snap mental pictures and record some mental audio to replay later.
18 comments:
I've never been able to control my thoughts and I'm still trying to learn to control my words. I have no problem controlling them as far as blogging, I just don't post. However, in real life, it might be better if I had a mute button.
My mind chases pirates all the time, well maybe not all the time, but when it does, I cannot slow it down.
That's a neat progression of ideas. I wonder who penned the notion. It make a great poster fodder. I remember Julia Child used to say we should mind our manners at home because they would also be the manners we had outside the home.
Darn my keyboard--it doesn't spell worth a ---.
Ms A, blogging is a help with controlling what we say, we can as you say, just not post. We also can edit at any time. I am trying to get my brain to adopt the habit of editing before the words are released.
I used to speak without thinking all the time. Only occasionally does that happen now, because the Universe paired me up with someone who is my opposite, and he taught me how to keep my thoughts to myself until I learned to be prudent. I sure do know what you mean, though. :-)
CiCi, I am totally there with you. I too have learned (am learning?) to control my tongue...blogging is good for that...some things that I think are hilarious other might find offensive! LOL!...Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment about your kitty. My Bella never really paid much attentions to birds either, so that's why I was so stunned! Have agreat day. Laurel
Oh Yeah, that's a big one-Rushing. Rushing to speak, rushing to action, all those knee jerk reactions, that is a big challenge for me. I tend to do everything quickly and lose my patience. But, I'm working on it. It's an unattractive quality, probably nervousness. I constantly have to tell myself to slow down!
I liked your comment format because you could tailor your reply to the original commenter, but soon after you implemented it I couldn't comment. I'm glad to be able to do so again!
Great Post.
I'm one of those people who hurry through life as if I'm in a race. I often wonder what I'm missing out on but it's hard to break lifetime habits.
I think some things need to be said even if it's uncomfortable to say them. Still, some are better left unsaid. Hopefully as we get older and wiser (?) we get better at which are which!
Such good advice. I am pretty good at thinking before I speak in most situations, but unfortunately, at home, with those I love most, I seem to just let my words flow right out of my mouth. And that's not always a good thing.
I've always admired people who aren't constantly talking but are instead observing. Thinking before speaking is also something I work on.
oceangirl, is chasing pirates like chasing fantasies? I spent so much of my life way out there in space mentally that I missed some things close to home.
R.J., maybe it was Julia Childs who taught me that if I don't practice manners at home I would be a slob in public.
DJan, you surely were blessed with an excellent partner in life. It takes lots of love to tell your partner what he/she should know in a caring and gentle way.
Laurel, I like that you correct yourself to say that you are still learning. I am too. I hope to keep learning till my last breath.
Stickup Artist, hello my friend, so glad you are able to leave comments here again. Knee jerk reaction is a great way to put it. I can't imagine you being nervous, my impression of you is a strong, wise young woman.
Stephen, it is so hard to retrain oneself. In my case, I have had to first learn to remain in the present and not disappear into the universe.
Abby, yes some things need to be said, as in the example of DJan's life partner helping her to see some things about herself. He must have a kind way of relating to her to get her to really hear.
Terri, at home you are more relaxed and that is not always a good thing, sort of takes for granted our loved ones.
Mrs 4444, it is a complement to some people if we can be around them and not have to be talking. A comfortable silence is a blessed event.
Always good to remember and something I need to work on as well. How have you been doing?
Thanks so much for coming by this morning. I appreciate it!
I'm so glad you commented on my blog! And am glad you are still around!
It sounds simple but it's work to mold thoughts and try to keep them positive. Great advice and interesting progression.
i agree completely...it def takes discipline bc we all like to hear our own voice and express our opinions...and yet they can do so much damage
Post a Comment