SwaffWords™ 1/14/26— "Does This Need To Be Said?" Really?

Published: Wed, 01/14/26

"Does This Need To Be Said?"

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Welcome to the new year! May it be treating you well.

As long as we're in the "clean slate" mode of January, I thought it would be a good time to refocus our efforts on the art of talking. No, not merely the mechanics of it. Rather, the timing, intent and delivery of what we're saying.

Especially these days, talk is cheap and running rampant. It's a good time to reel Our Selves in and be a lot more discerning when we choose to speak. And yes, even when we're mindless in the moment, we make the choice to speak.

So let's set up three "gates", if you will, and ask these Q's before we impart our oh so precious wisdom to someone. Take a moment and realize how each of these steps builds on one another:

Does this need to be said?:

Is what you're about to say necessary? Are you sure?

Does this need to be said by me?

Are you the person to say it? What if you're not?

Does this need to be said by me now?

Is this the right moment for this info from me? Really?

The great thing about these "road signs" is that when there's any doubt or hesitation on your part at all, that's a stop sign. Don't proceed; gather your wits about you; take your time and stand down for now.

How often do you ask Your Self "Does This Need To Be Said?" (2:11)?

Right along the same lines of this is another series of "gates"that ask us to really consider our intention, motivation and timing. They form an acronym that offers reminders to be Thoughtful, Helpful, Inspiring,

Needed and Kind.

Do you stop and "T.H.I.N.K." (2:30) before speaking?

Lots of "gatekeeping" this time, yes? What if you can't remember the Q's or shortcuts? What if "shoulds" are surfacing? What if this is all making your head spin? If so, then let's connect and see how we can simplify all of this for you.

Getting to Know Me and My Work:

There are several ways to experience my approach and style. Each offers quick tune ups, teachings, and reminders for your practice:

—My YouTube Channel—sorted by Playlists.

—My site: Rapid Bodymind Clarity.

—My Blog Archives.

—My Backstory: Quick Highlights.

—My "Socials": Facebook Page and Community ; LinkedIn .

Since you're already enjoying these bi-monthly SwaffWords™, why not forward them to like-minded friends or invite them to subscribe here ?

In the meantime, at the very least, let's commit to being much more thoughtful about what we say, how we say it and when. Taking a pause or two or three can offer us any number of possibilities, which in turn, can diffuse and even de-fuse a moment. We can all benefit from that, can't we?

Here's to gentler times.

May it be so...

Cheers,