Pause, Reflect, Send with Kindness

The minute that we hit that keyboard and the message is launched, those words are out in the world and there's no way to retract them. It's just like it: when you squeeze out toothpaste from the tube, no matter how hard you try, you cannot put it back in. That is why it is important to take a moment to reflect on what one is saying before sharing it. Our words have a way of affecting others so much more than we would imagine at times. Say you are irate with your friend and are texting him. Maybe something he says aggravates you, and not thinking, you tap out a quick response that is a little sharp. You do not mean to hurt their feelings, but your words might stick with them. They may begin to second-guess themselves, or worse, feel offended or hurt by something said. At the time, it may seem like no big deal to hit send, but then later on, one may wish he or she had said something differently or approached a situation with more care. Another important thing to bear in mind is that when we send messages, we do not know what the other person is going through.

Maybe they are having a bad day, or maybe they are having something challenging in life. Words can uplift or put them down. If we take the time to choose kindness, our messages can make someone's day a little better. Rather than adding into someone's stress, we can be that reason to smile, even if it is for just an instant. When you are about to send off a message, most especially when emotional, it is always worth that second count.

Ask yourself: Is this really what I want to say? How is this going to make the other person feel when they read this? Oftentimes, just that brief pause makes all the difference in the world. It keeps you from saying something you may regret later. Rather than acting out of the heat of the moment, you may respond in a manner reflecting real you—caring about others and believing in spreading positivity. Choosing to be kind doesn't mean one has to repress his or her emotions. It simply means finding a way to do it that's respectful and thoughtful. For example, if you are angry with someone, you mightinstead prepare an angry message and take a minute to cool off before explaining how you feel in a constructive manner. That is being honest, yet you have the other person's feelings in consideration.

They show the world what kind of person we want to be. When we choose our words with deliberation and consideration, we show the world we care about others and that we want to make the world just a little bit better, one message at a time. The next time you are about to hit send, pause a minute and second-guess yourself. Your words are powerful; use them wisely. 

Bottom line, our words reflect who we are.