H (HELPFUL)

Helpful conversations stay within boundaries of healthy sharing and appropriate topics

The H in think not only stands for "helpful", but let's consider what are healthy, high-hearted subjects to talk about.

It's easy to get caught up in sharing bits and snippets of newsy shares gathered along the way throughout a day.  The trick is to stop a moment and carefully think about the content and context.

This week, remember these tests for hopeful, helpful conversations:

Content: Is this piece of news appropriate and uplifting to the hearers, and to me?

Will sharing this information be helpful and kind to the main characters, and to me?

Would I want a similar story shared about my friends, families, loved ones, or me?

Is it possible the information could harm someone's heart, soul, feelings, life--or me?

Context:  Is this the proper place to say these words?

Could this be a private comment for specific individuals in my inner circle?

Should these words be kept within boundaries of boards or businesses?

If taken out of proper context, is it possible this could cause someone harm or hurt?

Will I label myself as a gossip monger by speaking rumors, speculation and gossip? 

Language is a gift from God for human communication and understanding. Compassion, sharing ideas and lifting up our fellow human beings are great reasons to use our precious resource of talking together. Rather than falling into bad habits of speaking unkindly or unnecessarily, let's treasure this gift by speaking positive and powerful words. 

Helpful

Happy

Hope-filled

Heavenly

Hospitable

Hugs-with-words 

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For the next five weeks, common-woman will focus on THINK before you speak. This is not meant to accuse or cause stress for ANYONE. This effort will be to offer a few ideas for a fresher, kinder way of talking with ourselves and others.