Words.

My new mantra is, “Don’t waste time, don’t waste money and don’t waste words.”

Have you noticed that some people simply talk too much? Recently we had dinner with two other couples – two of the guests were doctors from England. The wife was quite lovely. The husband was a self-centered egotist who obviously didn’t recognize that the definition of conversation is an informal exchange of thoughts, information etc. He simply executed a soliloquy.

 

At one point, I thought he was going to start saying, “Friends, Romans and Countrymen lend me your ear.  I have come to bury Ceasar not to praise him.”

We underestimate the importance of words. They can heal, hurt and can be simply useless. Words can protect you or attack you. Words can never be taken back. Harmless gossip is never harmless, while over-sharing is never helpful.

We’ve all heard the old adage that God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we could listen twice as much as we talk. Obviously, some people haven’t figured that out.

I have two favorite lines from the My Fair Lady song “Show Me.” First, “Words! Words! I'm so sick of words! I get words all day through; First from him, now from you! Is that all you blighters can do?” And next, “Never do I ever want to hear another word. There isn't one I haven't heard.”

Don’t waste words. Banal chatter is a waste of time.

May I also add that with all the social networking around, perhaps one should realize that when you are on Facebook or sending emails, those are words – Words for the whole world to see?

One of the most humorous incidents took place when one of the gals from the UndercoverWear corporate office posted on Facebook that she really disliked her boss. Of course, it was there for everyone to read – including her boss! Not the most intelligent move. I’ve got a surprise for everyone. Written words are still words!

Don’t get me wrong. I actually enjoy words – I love communicating, being able to share my life with my family and closest friends. I love offering counsel and direction. And I really love listening. Truly listening – not simply waiting to get my next point across. However, I chose my words carefully. I actually think before I speak. Now that’s a novel concept.

So think about it. Every so often it’s really OK to stop talking and enjoy a moment – an hour or even a full day – of silence. It’s refreshing. Trust me, you can make it up the next day.

So enough about words. In fact, enough words!