Today, I resolve to pause before I say anything negative.
The result (for me, at least) has been amazing. Just a small space between a thought and a spoken word has changed my outlook — sometimes for hours. I’m not perfect at the technique. But I’m practicing. Join me? (You might want to pause before responding.)
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These are truly words of wisdom. Taking a pause before responding allows you to think. Sometimes, I have realized that there is no point in responding at all.
This has taken years to implement in my life. I used to pop off with a sarcastic comment whenever I thought it useful. I realized that I was wounding people with my words.
As Christ has come into my life more each day, I realize that many of the “cute” comments that people make are just personal vents. I work with mostly women, and when one woman says something harsh about men (in general), I hold my tongue and wonder if she was treated harshly by a man recently.
In the pause, I think, “How would I feel if someone said what I am about to say to me?” This goes back to the Golden Rule. Maybe we can review the Golden Rule during each pause.
Peace.
Mike,
I like that idea of filling that pause with a positive standard. Thanks for sharing.
Joey