Day # 80 - Watch your mouth

We have all said something regrettable in a moment of anger, something we wish we could take back, sometimes before the words have left our lips. Other times we know we're going to regret saying something and we say it any way. You may not be thinking of it at the moment, but at some level you know you should probably shut up or think of something else to say.

It's hard to overstate the importance of words. Words from a president can lead to war or sink global markets. Words of encouragement from a parent or a teacher can give a kid a much needed boost. Words from a spouse can encourage, or wound. Words from a child can overwhelm you, or simply leave you laughing or shaking your head.

Think back to an important moment in your life. You will always remember the words that marked the occasion. If you have had a life-changing moment, it is likely because of something someone said to you. We may not remember everything our fathers did, but we are reminded of what they said because we repeat it to our own children. That's not always a good thing, but hopefully your filter is fully engaged.

Remember next time you are speaking to someone, anyone, the importance of your words. They matter more than you think. Remember to say "please" and "thank you." Remember to praise publicly and criticize privately. Remember that you never know when you are part of a life-changing moment so act as if you always are.

Emily Dickinson, my favorite poet, whom I named my daughter after said it best:

A WORD is dead
When it is said,
Some say.
I say it just
Begins to live
That day

Once spoken, your words go on and on. Make them count.

- Adolfo

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