Watch Your Words.
This thought, command, mantra has been kicking my rear lately.
I just finished reading through Psalms and Proverbs and I read that over and over. My words are one of my most prominent faults. I am quick to speak. Now, I usually speak my mind and I am painfully honest. Fortunately, I have been getting much better about my honesty when it can be hurtful to others. I am slowly learning to think before I speak and add a little tact with the truth. When I speak my thoughts so quickly I often step on the feelings, plans, ideas of others... completely unintentionally. At least I have that, I promise I am not a mean spirited person who spews out hurtful comments on every one around her. I also am becoming more and more aware of how my words affect others so I can be more cautious. So... it is a work in progress. Watch Your Words.
It is also applicable in this new Army lifestyle I've entered. Watch Your Words.
I have joined facebook groups for the post I am currently living at and the post we will be pcs-ing to later in the year. I have been shocked at some of the things the other wives post. Now, I can get over the questions I find immature or unnecessary (because in my mind they should know better). I have to remind myself that these wives come from varying backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, educational levels, and ranks. This does not make them better or worse than myself, so I can get over the questions I find annoying. What I cannot get over, is how the wives vent on an internet public forum about their soldiers, their soldiers' chain of command, the post, the assignment, etc. etc. etc. I know that this lifestyle can get to all of us, but vent and discuss amongst yourselves within your small group of friends. Not where anyone can pull the record of it to read for all to hear. You never know who is reading your words. You never know who this will affect- either with training schedules, deployment/redeployment dates, personal prejudices, promotion schedules, and personal grievances. You just never know. Perhaps your soldier's commander is married. Perhaps he mentions his soldier's to his wife. Perhaps she recognizes your name on the facebook page. Perhaps she reads what you wrote and knows you are referring to your husband. She may pass along your complaints, which may or may not be unfounded, to her husband who could then cause your husband some serious pains. Now, that's just one example that my mind conjured up. But you never know who is listening. You never know who is reading.
Watch Your Words.
I am slowly learning to be slow to speak. Think things through. Think things through again. Remember what your mother taught you, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Watch Your Words.
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