Keep it Shut': What To Say? How To Say? and When To Choose Silence?

Summary:
Our words carry immense power to heal or harm, uplift or destroy. By becoming more intentional about what we say, how we say it, and when we choose silence, we can transform our relationships and create ripples of positive impact in our world.

Key Takeaways:
- Words hold extraordinary power - choose them with intention and care
- How we communicate matters as much as what we communicate
- Sometimes the wisest response is no response at all

During my travels this week, I discovered Karen Ehman's book "Keep It Shut," exploring the wilderness of words we navigate daily. Its message about speech resonated deeply as I reflected on conversations throughout my life. What we say matters profoundly - our words build bridges or burn them instantly. I've seen how encouragement transforms Vulnerable Segments' daily performance, while criticism dampens spirits. Ehman suggests three questions before speaking: Is it true? Is it necessary?? Is it kind??? This filter can improve our communications in challenging situations. As I age, I'm learning to redirect energy from complaints toward prayer, positivity and encouragement. When we speak with intention rather than reaction, our words become instruments of positive change.

How we communicate often carries more weight than what we say. During a recent difficult conversation with a Strategic Partner, I focused not just on content, but on tone and timing. Ehman's insights about speaking from calm rather than chaos proved invaluable. By managing emotions first, a potentially confrontational exchange became productive and relationship-strengthening. Social media presents unique challenges - distance and anonymity make harsh responses tempting. I've realized the futility of arguments over WhatsApp/Social Media and now ask: "Is this battle worth fighting?" This prevents hasty discussions I might regret. The book highlights, and I've experienced personally, how gossip and complaints, even when disguised as concern, erode trust and create negativity.

I believe the most counterintuitive lesson is learning when to say nothing at all. Silence isn't weakness but strength in disguise. In my journey, my most regrettable moments came from speaking when I should have remained quiet. During heated family discussions, rather than reacting immediately, I now practice restraint - allowing emotions to settle before engaging. The outcome is remarkably better than previous difficult experiences. In professional settings, I'm discovering the power of listening fully before responding. This reveals how often predetermined answers blocked valuable perspectives. I've realized not every comment, criticism, or debate requires my voice. Sometimes walking away from unproductive conversations is the wisest choice we can make. Our goal should not be to speak more or less, but to Speak Better.

Happy Sunday!! Keep Moving & Smiling!!🏃🏽😊
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