There are times when we have to slow down our thought process enough to avoid saying something we end up regretting. Very often, an emotion gets in the way of acting rationally and we end up following the action urge instead of our logical brain (which shows up after the emotion has passed.) Sometimes our concerns for others can come out it ways that appear critical or harsh.
I came across this acronym which can help us to think about what we wish to say in any given situation.
Before you speak, think:
T – Is it true?
H – Is it helpful?
I – Is it inspiring?
N – Is it Necessary?
K – Is it Kind?
Just trying to access this acronym when we are upset or troubled by something will help us to slow down enough to begin processing our emotion, and moving into a mature way of communicating.
Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/@iam_muzan