Think before you speak

You are a master of what you say until you utter it, once you deliver it, you are its captive. Preserve your tongue as you do your gold and money. One word could bring disgrace and the termination of a bliss. - Ali Ibn Abi Talib A. S.

Never is this more apparent than right now, in the age of cancel culture and political over correctness. Personally, I do not think of it as cancel culture. There are consequences to the words that one uses. I do think we live in a time when things are so politically charged that people cannot seem to differentiate between a joke and things that are actually offensive or when people are overly sensitive. It is such that those who want to get away with doing harm with their words use this to confuse people and gaslight them. 

Nevertheless, we have to think before we speak, especially when dealing with loved ones. Doing this can create a landscape in which you do not create stressful situations without even realizing it. Sometimes, you can say something that seems innocent enough but your loved ones had their feelings hurt. You may feel powerful when hurling hurtful words out in anger or retaliation but still have to deal with the consequences of how your words were taken.  

I love the quote because it brings to light that once you let your words out, you really do not have control over how they are perceived and interpreted. This then can be used against you. This is why we should be mindful of the words we use and to whom we speak them. Words are powerful even when dealing with someone you love dearly. Know what your intentions are with the words that use and be ready for what may come because that is not in your control.