"Nothing pays off like..."

"Our first objective will be the development of self-restraint.  This carries a top priority rating.  When we speak or act hastily or rashly, the ability to be fair-minded and tolerant evaporates on the spot.  One unkind tirade or one willful snap judgment can ruin our relation with another person for a whole day, or maybe a whole year.  Nothing pays off like restraint of tongue and pen." -- "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions" (AA's 12&12) Step 10, pg. 91.

Such a well loved quote, and so often accompanied by rueful chuckles when someone shares in a meeting about whatever their particular challenges may be in practicing this bit of wisdom, this "... restraint of tongue and pen."

As an addendum to the spirit of the above, I would humbly add to this wise and helpful sentiment three words which I learned the hard way (as so many of my lessons have come to me) over the past several years:

Don't. Click. Send.

Comments

[Dave]

yessir.

[mary johnson]

I have found it useful to have restraint of email, the hard way. Always good to save as a draft for at least 24 hours than to impulsively send in the heat of the moment. I've done this, unfortunately and once something is out there on the internet its there forever....

[Jessie Robinson]

I also have to ask God to give me the Power to

Not.click.post.

So amen to that and thank you for your continued patience, tolerance and kindness as you journey the road of happy destiny with us... Thank God for a fellowship of forgiving truth seeking friends!

[Syd]

Great post. And good words to think about.

[Em]

this is something I must remind myself of constantly. restraint is an amazing tool for an alcoholic.

[Lynda L.]

Thanks for sharing

[Lynda L.]

Thanks for sharing.