By SheelaR

We are all entitled to our opinions. However, when our opinions cross the line of common decency…we need to check ourselves and our moral compass. At times, the things we say will hurt and offend…but we must remember temper our inherent need for honesty with compassion and civility. Just because we feel entitled to voice our opinions, doesn’t make okay to openly and happily offend. The only thing separating us from being constructively honest or purposely hurtful…is intent. When our words don’t match our intentions…we’ve crossed line.

I’ve been told that there are times when my level of honestly is borderline cruel, so I’ve struggle with that my entire life. “My mother would often tell me as a child, “Not everything you think needs to find its way out of your mouth.” Some day, I hope to have her level of tact, intelligence, and wisdom. For now, I often find myself pausing for thought, when I feel like my words won’t align with my intentions, and that my mother said…is the mark maturity.

Words are powerful and important and can be used to build or destroy. Words are also finite. Once said…they can never be taken back. Having said that, I would never tell someone that they don’t have a right to freely express their ideas and opinions… However, I will tell you this…always stay cognizant of when you’re willfully spreading hurt, ignorance, and negativity. If the things you say, at times, don’t horrify or disgust you…you’ve not evolved.