Something to Say

“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

I wish it were that easy. If you are anything like me, you have suffered from a case of “foot in mouth” at least once. It happened to me (again) this past week.

It had been a difficult week and I thought I had managed myself pretty well. I found myself in a conversation, and I could feel it happen. My ears were hot and I knew I wasn’t listening. I could hear my tone becoming directive and even a bit condescending. I stopped the conversation and just said “I need to walk away.” I knew at that moment that the other person was hurt- I could see it in their eyes. AND I knew if I stayed, it was not going to get any better.

I sat by myself for a while and let myself calm down. I recognized that my reaction was not about the person at all- but there was something I needed to do.

There are a few key phrases that we just need to use more in life:

• I’m sorry.

• I forgive you.

• We can still be friends if we don’t agree.

• I’m open to your feedback.

• Please.

• Thank you.

It is okay to be human. It is better to acknowledge your humanness. It is best to then DO something about it.

What are the words you need to use more often? Embrace and love the messiness that is being a person!