Silence is Golden

Silence is Golden

When we think of fighting, contention, and wars we always seem to investigate what happened after the dust settles.  Sure it's natural to look back and wonder what could have caused this; what could have been done differently. Generally most contentious issues  do not start with fists flying; but with words coming out of our mouths. Looking at human history, I'm going to say it's safe to say that "turning the other cheek" has generally failed when it comes to our responses. When someone say's or does something nasty we have either two choices: We can either bite our tongue and not respond, or use our tongues to bite back. 

I'm in no way a pacifist. I believe everyone is responsible for their actions (including my own). I was once told not to, "take the bait". Sometimes silence is golden, and sometimes a response is necessitated. Why am I even writing about this? Well for one I had to execute a little tongue biting technique recently. This is no small task for me. I can admit it; I'm emotional (even for a man). My tongue (meaning my words), has gotten me in situations that could have been avoided. I'm passionate about many subjects including political discourse. 

It's hard to have discussions with individuals who you feel are drilling a hole in the same boat you occupy. This for me is the hardest time to exercise restraint. However; not saying anything is a catch-22. If good people say or do nothing at all, it can also spell disaster for everyone. 

Choose Your Battles

When we stop and think about how we respond we can literally change the reality before us. Every day we are faced with choices that will change the crossroads of life. If only we had the map to what choices interconnect with positive responses. That kind of clairvoyance is rare and applied only to biblical prophets, or successful war generals. I guess the phrase, "to fight another day" is the end game. Silence being golden, does not necessarily mean you turn the other cheek. It can also mean, "I'll see you later, and respond in the appropriate way". 

I know this short blog post is something we already know. We learn it in grade school, yet as adults we constantly forget. Generally most blog posts are regurgitated ideas that at most remind us of what we already know. Life is not about what you already have learned; it's most about how you can successfully exercise what you have already learned. 

The  battle is real and it's everyday. Outside forces are not what effect us; it's our responses to them. I guess I choose to live another day. Whether I bite my tongue depends on the situation. Yesterday I think I built bridges rather than burning them. Perhaps I'm writing this because I'm proud of myself for showing some self control.

 

BB613