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.
I like this a lot. There are a lot of bloggers who should be following this advice, too!
Hi Arlene – I “think” this rule can be applied pretty much everywhere. I have used it with my kids but I have used it on myself, too. In the office, with friends, on the phone with family … Yep – good reminder.
Cheers! MJ
Words are like toothpaste, they come out very easily and can spread all over but they can’t go back in.
Keep the Faith!
… What a perfect quote 🙂
MJ
this reminds me of Philippians 4:8 – whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 🙂 love the acronym
Ooh I love that, Thank you 🙂 MJ
Oh, if we’d all only keep that in mind! Thanks for sharing!
I try really hard to, but sometimes I get grumpy and snarpy and say things to others that I wish later I hadn’t. Just a reminder of something we heard as kids, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all.”
Cheers!
MJ
You are always so thoughtful with your posts. I like this so much and can think of a few times when I wish I would have had your words in front of me. Thanks for the help as I strive to be a better person. 🙂
Having my words on the Internet is a great reminder to me to choose them carefully — and, I’m on the path to be better all the time. We’re in this together, Jeannette 🙂
MJ
Excellent advice; now if I can only live up to my own expectations.
You and me both, my friend.
MJ
This is a good one, MJ. If I stop to think, I’m likely to forget what I was going to say in the first place! lol
Well .. there is that 🙂
MJ
Really like what you, Isaiah, Stifany and patti said. I think you all have said it well.
Thank you; I can recall times that I have not “thought” first and later winced recalling what jewels I shared with the world. Trying to be better about that in my every day existence!
MJ
Reblogged this on ram0ram note book.
Cool! Thank you 🙂
MJ
Your posts consistently inspire me, MJ. Thank you for that. Love the acronym.
Have a great weekend, my friend.
Hugs,
Kathy
When I heard about it, I just knew it belonged here and that all of my smart, funny and insightful blogging friends would totally “get it.”
Hugs to you! Happy weekending 🙂
MJ
MJ, MJ, MJ!
Speaking of kindness, I can’t thank you enough for your kindness, support and being along for the ride with my mom and me. It’s a ride of a lifetime, and you are more than a passenger … you are a true friend. Thanks and keep those insights of yours coming our way!
Well, thank you, Tom. I am delighted to be your friend – and your Mom’s, too 🙂
MJ
This post definitely passes the THINK test!
Thank you, Marion. I just love that acronym 🙂 MJ
I’ve been a fool plenty of times too. This is good advice… for me and for many others!
Yep – makes me think, pardon the pun!
MJ
Noted and will keep on file. What a great gauge. Thank you, MJ.
I love that very simple reminder … and will take it with me, too.
Cheers! MJ
Great filter for words. The older I get, the less I need to say, in most cases! ~ Sheila
You and me both! MJ
Another great thought provoker MJ!
thank you, MJ
“For every time he annoys you or does something you think is stupid, remember he’s had the same thoughts about you.”…now that is something to think about and I will.
She is very wise, my wee Mom!
🙂 MJ
I love this acronym and may use it with my junior high girls. I have had a conversation several times this year with a particular group who like to keep things “stirred up,” usually by repeating unkind words spoken by someone else. I have asked repeatedly, “Why would you tell something that you know is going to be hurtful?” and the response has always been, “Because she’s my friend, and I thought she should know.” No, the real reason is that you want to create drama, and you don’t care who gets hurt in the process. “T-H-I-N-K” should be a simple enough concept for anyone to understand. Thanks for sharing!
Oooh! Karen that is a perfect demographic for this acronym – not that it’s not useful everywhere – but if Junior High girls can “get it,” there’s hope for us all 🙂 Thank you for all you do 🙂 MJ
Words are powerful. They can build and they can destroy. Love the THINK image.
You and me, both,
Cheers! MJ
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