Watch Your Tongue, For Less Is More

We all know individuals we sometimes wish had a zipper attached to their lips. You know, those people who constantly gossip and speak out of turn, with a tendency to go on, and on, and on? Some people just don’t seem to care if people view them disrespectfully, or are annoyed by their verbal outbursts or destructive communication. They just don’t care. Period.

I have some personal experiences that you might relate to. How about a family member around whom you always have to watch what you say. Everyone is constantly walking on egg shells, for fear of saying the wrong thing, because this person will take it as a personal attack. You dare say something out of line… and you open a can of blah-blah-blah! Some people truly feel the world revolves around them. They take life much to seriously.

If you wouldn’t write it and sign it, don’t say it ~ Earl Wilson

What I have found works best – a little gem of wisdom – is to just not say anything to these folks. When you’re around them, keep it lighthearted and simple, and say as little as possible. Comment on the weather if they start to gossip, or just say “that’s nice” and then change the subject. They will quickly pick up on the fact that you’re not interested in other people’s business, or that you don’t want to be a part of a conversation loaded with such negative energy.

I have known people that I very deliberately stopped spending time with, because of either hearing them, or knowing how they talk about others. I can assure you, if someone is gossiping about someone to you, odds are they will do the exact same thing to you – right behind your back! So, just don’t engage them and keep them at arm’s length. Try not to share space with people who are draining to be around. They will eventually get the message. Maybe you will even help them in the process to be more positive in their communication.

We all have free will to choose what we say about and share with others. I believe we create our own reality with what we say and choose to think. We are also examples to others by how we choose to speak and what we choose to come out of our mouths – especially in front of our children.

To speak and to speak well are two things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks ~ Ben Jonson

When it comes to talking I have always gone with my favorite saying: “less is more.” I remind myself with these three simple words to keep things simple in a lot of different areas of my life. I have found inner peace and happiness with choosing who I allow into my environment, who my companions are and who I choose to spend time with. I find that less truly is more when it comes to the human tongue.

So, please do yourself a favor and tape the words “Less is More” to your wall, computer, or bathroom mirror. Use it as a daily affirmation. There are many more sayings and proverbs in the English language on this subject, so there must be something to it! “Silence is golden” is another wisdom slogan that says it all. And then there is also “a still tongue makes a wise head” or “empty vessels make the most noise” or “say well or be still. And two more of my favorites: “better the foot slip than the tongue” and “brevity is the soul of wit.”

I have a desire to connect with people, but finding kindred souls can sometimes be as rare as finding a diamond in the sand. When we separate ourselves from the talkative ones, those that bring chaos and drama into our lives, we connect with those that are more like us.

When it comes to talking, and even thinking, connect with your inner voice and do away with the things that are not serving you, on all levels.