I learned a new acronym and just have to share it with you all … before we speak – THINK:
T – Is it true? H – Is it helpful? I – Is it inspiring? N – Is it necessary? K – Is it kind?..::..
T – Is it true?
Is what you’re about to share true? How do you know for sure? And even if it is, does it need to be told?
H – Is it helpful?
Is what you’re about to share going to better the one hearing it? Or do you just need to get something off of your chest? Check your mood – are you exasperated, tired, angry or sad? Sometimes words we’d choose in the midst of those moods are not the ones we’d choose when things are going our way.
I – Is it inspiring?
Is what you’re about to say going to inspire another? Is it going to uplift and encourage? My mother’s words come to mind here, “For every time he annoys you or does something you think is stupid, remember he’s had the same thoughts about you.”
N – Is it necessary?
Is it necessary to verbalize every thought we have? Do we have something to prove? Someone to “one-up?” Would you pick the same words in front of a room full of friends and family? Church friends? Work colleagues? If you wouldn’t then, why now?
I can’t count how many times I’ve cringed as a husband or wife blurted out a comment meant to put their spouse in their place. I can’t tell you how badly I felt when their words hit the mark. It’s not nice and it makes everyone around uncomfortable. Even if something’s true – she’s a lousy cook, he’s a messy housemate or so and so is perpetually late – does it need to be said?
K – Is it kind?
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25
Would you enjoy your words being plastered on the front page of the newspaper? Is what you’re sharing something you’d be happy to hear?
What do your words say about you?
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” – Plato
I’ve been a fool before; it’s my intention to be wise.
