Thinking First
Over the past week, I have noticed an increase of vitriolic posts across social media. This makes my heart ache. Our world is filled with so much pain, so much suffering, I find it impossible to understand why people feel the need to add more of the same on social media. My mother told me (more than once!) that if I didn't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. I have tried to practice this throughout my life. (I have not perfected it in any shape or form, but I try.) What I have learned over the years is to try and stop before I say or write something I will later regret or that might hurt others. I think mindfully about how the words I am using will sound and what meaning they may convey. Often, I rewrite something using words that are not as inflammatory or vicious. I have also learned not to ever write for publication when I am full of anger. I may put down in words my feelings, but I don't share what I have written. I let it sit and defuse, if yo