Six Cardinal Rules before speaking

I am sharing these as a way to help me remember them. I have made progress on keeping these in mind, but still need to work on doing this more frequently. I recently broke a few of them, so I share them to reinforce their importance in my own brain, and in case they would be helpful to others as well.

There are SIX CARDINAL RULES to keep in mind before speaking. They can be recalled with this simple mantra: Pause and T.H.I.N.K.Q.

1. Is it TRUE? Am I certain this is true, or simply my perspective and other things might also be true? Or is there perhaps some factor I do not know which influences what I perceive as being true and could shift my perspective if I was aware of it? Sometimes what I think is true is a judgement on my part based on incomplete information.

2. Is is HELPFUL, or is this simply my opinion that serves me but not necessarily the other(s)?

3. Is it INSPIRING? Will it support and encourage, or will it be discouraging? Will it inspire and motivate, or will it diminish another or myself?

4. Is it NECESSARY for me to say this? Or am I spreading gossip or rumors, spouting off my opinion, giving unsolicited advice, trying to get someone else to do or see something I think they should, or perhaps even just showing off my expansive wisdom and knowledge? And is it necessary right NOW? Will waiting to speak this put someone in harm's way, or would a bit of time and patience perhaps further the other person in finding their own truth?

5. Will saying this, even though it may be true, be KIND, or is it harsh and blunt? Unless it is a life or death situation, I should always seek to be kind in what I say as well as how I say it. Even in the case of something like a serious and necessary intervention, there is a planned and careful way to present the facts. This would be speaking truth with kindness which enhances potential.

6. Ask more QUESTIONS. Don't assume. Don't make my reality or experience their reality or experience. Try to see their perspective, by asking questions, not in a way that puts them on defense, but in a way that lets the other(s) know I am genuinely interested in understanding and accepting their viewpoint and past experiences.

Life is a Holy Process unfolding before me. What was true for me yesterday may be little more than a child's faltering first step for me today. This is exactly how life is designed to unfold.

Life is the teacher, and G!d is the only True Friend. On those two things I can absolutely rely.

What will I allow life to teach me today?