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Written by Rabbi Irwin Katsoff
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If you open your mouth to say something negative about someone else, close it for a minute and ask yourself:
- What positive purpose will be served by passing on this information? Do all your cousins really need to know that Jen flunked out of law school instead of her story that she’s simply “taking some time off”?
- Would I make such a statement about someone I really love? Isn’t this a good time to start loving your fellow human beings? If not now, when?
- What’s something positive I can say about this person? Instead of poking fun at Aunt Meg’s forgetfulness, why not reminisce about the yummy pies she used to make? Instead of roasting Len for the way he dresses, why not praise the way he relates to the maintenance staff?
- Will what I’m about to say be conducive to a holiday atmosphere of love and good will? Or will it breed an atmosphere of criticism, backbiting, and scoffing? When you leave this party, you can feel elevated by all the love and good feelings, or you can feel it was a “downer” from all the pettiness and gossip. The choice is in your mouth at this moment.
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Words Can Heal wishes all our subscribers a gossip-free holiday filled with joy, love, and goodwill toward everyone in your life.
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