“Before you act, listen.
Before you react, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.”
William Arthur Ward
When I’m convinced it’s necessary to have a hard conversation or make a difficult decision, I wait 24 hours.
If I think there’s absolutely no way I can put it off, I wait 48.
The more distance I allow myself from the situation and the person, the less likely I am to react. Waiting increases my chances of making good choices and being kind.
The first time I practiced the 24-hour rule, my head nearly exploded. I had so much to explain, so many critical points to make, and so much to fix. Twenty-four hours later, I couldn’t remember what I was upset about. I decided not to let that happen again.
Next time my friend suggested I wait, I wrote down a detailed list of my points, which wasn’t the point. Waiting worked anyway. Even with the list, I questioned why I’d gotten so worked up the previous day.
Waiting 24 hours isn’t magic, but it keeps peace for a moment. It doesn’t necessarily solve the problem, but it usually puts it in perspective. It also calms down my response. Most of the time, I decide not to respond at all.
Also, having a 24-hour rule prevents me from reacting to random people like store clerks and waitresses who are having a bad day. I say to myself, “I’ll wait 24 hours, but tomorrow I’m going to …” Fill in the blank with a threat like calling their boss that I almost never follow through with. It’s easier to drop the offense than pick up the phone.
Our church family says, “Drop it like it’s hot” – the offense, not the phone.
By the way, that dog image from Pixabay.com (thank you, Pixabay) tickled me. That’s my waiting face too.
Any tips on dealing with offenses? What works best for you – handle it immediately or wait? Your comments help all of us.
In This Together,
Kim
On point Always! Thank you Kim! I’m enjoying each and everyday. I think you’re peeping into my life. Thank you Kim, please keep up the good work.
♥️ Connieg
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Connie. You don’t know how much it means.
I love you, my friend! ❤️
So True and such great words of Wisdom Kim. I like the saying Drop it like it’s HOT!
The 24 hour rule before saying something is a great tool. It gives us a chance to think it through and calm our soul. Changing our approach and demeanor even if we need to still need to speak. We are all a work in progress in our life’s journey. Your writing is truly an inspiration and keeps us thinking and on our toes!
Pink Hugs,
Erika
Awe, Erika, thank you! I appreciate your kind comment.
My writing keeps me on my toes, which is why I should’ve been doing a 100-day plan a long time ago. I appreciate your encouragement so much. I especially Love “pink hugs.” I’m ready to give out a bunch of them. 💗
Hi my sweet friend….or should I wait to say this for 24 hours to make sure you also consider me your sweet friend.
Miss Impatient here, unfortunately, cannot wait for a full 24 hours on anything! Do I want to buy a new car? There, picked it out in maybe 10 minutes and drive away. Do I want to go the Vegas? Ticket search started in a matter of minutes and bought within 30 minutes. It is a good thing I don’t care about cars at all but Vegas, a different story.
Okay, I am very impulsive and jump without looking. Oh wait, I have to jump now. I need a new house.
Love you girl.
Hahahaha, Faye … how’d I miss this comment until just now? It’s been seven 24-hour blocks of time. I guess I wanted to prove to you how patient I really am.
I think of you as motivated, not impatient, but I know what you’re talking about with the impulsivity. I’ve made some fast decisions that thankfully turned out okay. However, waiting at least 24 hours would have been wise.
Thanks for your comments and laughter. I love you lots! ❤️