How many headlines are made from people suffering from word vomit? In the world of social media, if you say it, type it, or do it, it’s possibly recorded. Hitting delete won’t undo the harm. Someone is quick to get a screenshot or record a video.
Back in the day, people got away with he said, she said, they said, or whoever said. Most likely they couldn’t prove the allegations. However, technology is this magical thing that changes the blame game. It takes allegations to a whole other level.
Without properly inhaling and exhaling, some people get caught up in the moment. Before they know it, these words representing thoughts spew from their mouths. Sometimes, the words are so reprehensible it gives others pause. Then, the backlash begins.
Of course, they issue apologies. However, how sincere was the apology. If it wasn’t for the backlash, there wouldn’t be an apology. The key to these situations is learning the art of thinking before you speak.
No one is asking you to say glowing things about a person or situation that you don’t believe. That’s lying. However, if what you’re thinking is harsh, you may want to keep it to yourself. For instance, telling your friend that she’s a fat pig and needs to lose weight would definitely ruin your friendship. However, it depends on your friend. She may like people calling her names. You have to assess the situations you’re in and prepare for the backlash.
The mind can be a very scary thing. Thoughts fill the mind from experiences to fantasies. You can’t change a person’s thoughts. They have to change them. Sometimes, no matter how you try to convince others to take the high road, the gutter excites them. It’s their way of expressing themselves. You do a head shake and go about your day.
The art of thinking before you speak requires a level of empathy. Terms people said years ago may not be appropriate to use now. You may appear biased when referring to others by their religious affiliation or racial identity. This depends on the context of what you communicate.
Use technology to expand your knowledge. Learn before you speak. You can state your opinion about someone or something without shredding the other’s person’s character. Let the facts speak for themselves.
If the person is a lousy excuse of a human being, they’re not a one-time offender. Lousy human beings have a way of exposing themselves to more than one person. It seems embedded in their DNA.
So, it’s great to express yourself, but think before you speak.
