The Gates Behind Our Lips

We have all said some stuff we wish we hadn’t. And the regret and consequences we face following the event can sometimes be a little too upsetting and stressful. In the very instant of remorse, it seems like the world around you have gone dark. Like there is no way out but to face and take responsibility for what cannot be undone. Which is true. No amount of damage control could reverse the words that flew out of your mouth in times of short-mindedness, projected for the world to hear, or in today’s world of smartphones and internet, for the world to see. And at long last, you’re left to feel nothing but disappointment and shame for yourself. And in some cases, guilt for people you have hurt.

Good, so now that we have agreed to how catastrophic and damaging the aftermath can be, the question is how do we keep away from being the victim of our own tongue. The answer is to take control and learn to dictate. What I’m about to share, carve this in your minds and hearts. I have read somewhere that before you speak, allow your words to pass through three gates. At the first gate, ask yourself, ‘is it true?’. At the second ask, ‘is it necessary?’. And at the third, ‘is it kind?’.

If they are cleared at all three gates, then we bid farewell and they are permitted for departure. But if not, learn to be able to hold yourself from pursuing the pleasure of gaining pride and satisfaction from the detrimental words about to come out of your mouth.

In times where gossip and malicious whispers are growing to be ordinary and accepted as a norm, rise above this ugly majority and be a person of love that surpasses this grisly tradition. Honour yourself and honour your nobility by not engaging in this vile transgression.

My brother once told me, “the secret to gaining respect is to never speak ill of others”.

Those words will ruin you. If not in this life, then surely in the next.

Be known as a person whose voice is unheard of except for good, kind, warm and loving words.

In an effort of cleaning the sheet of bad deeds and better myself, I seek your forgiveness if words dismissed from my lips or hands have been (or will be) untrue, or hurtful in any way or form.

This entry serves as an advice and reminder, firstly and surely to myself before others. I myself am struggling to be the person I tell you to be. So perhaps we can struggle together. To becoming better people! 🥂