Be mindful. It’s imperative to healthy living. Don’t put junk into your mouth. Don’t spit out junk out of your mouth. You might regret it. Because you can’t take back anything. I learned it the hard way. I have hurt people’s feelings carelessly.  I have hurt myself. So it is my personal philosophy in life. To be mindful of what goes out and into my mouth.

Back in the days when I was a teacher, I was trying to comfort a co-worker/friend devastated over a situation at work. Some of her co-workers had requested intervention with her. They cited incidences of careless words that hurt them and their work. Can you believe that? Me, a nice person. Always trying to help others. Do you think I am like that? She asked me.  I was in a tight spot. I hate lying. I hated telling her the truth. Especially at this moment.

She ordered another beer, thanks to my relief. It was her third beer. By then she had eaten an order of tater tots and onion rings.

I listened as she went on her monologue. Then after she got tired of talking, she asked me what I thought. I am, in some ways, a timid person. I don’t like conflict. And this particular friend of mine always intimidated me. I never felt comfortable with her loud, obnoxious comments about people. Reluctant, I agreed with her all the time.

My point here is you aren’t mindful of the words that come out of your mouth your good deeds aren’t appreciated.

Even though it may not be your intention. Words are powerful. You can’t take back anything. You can apologize. I said. Start fresh. People are receptive when you ask for forgiveness. If it’s genuine.

Before I could finish where I was going, irked by my response, she stood up. You are not listening to a word I am saying. She declared I am never mean. Sometimes people need reminding for their own good.

The check arrived. I ended up paying the bill.  After I signed the receipt. I smiled. Relieved. This may be an end to an awkward relationship I had suffered for a few years and didn’t have the balls to end. (More on how to weed out unpleasant people out of your lives)

Many notable people have lost their career or social standing because of careless and insensitive use of words. Donald Trump, not counting. Do you remember how the press crucified Hillary Clinton for the use of the word “deplorable”? Words that didn’t mean to hurt.

Premature deaths have occurred for careless consumption of harmful things. I have lost many dear family members to alcoholism and drugs.

Be mindful what goes into your mouth. That’s why we have alcoholics, drug addicts, obesity, to name a few.

Dr. Weston Price, a dentist from Cleveland, found in his research that tooth decay was related to diet. He traveled around the world, interviewing many natives. He discovered the natives had healthy teeth even though they didn’t brush like we did. It was a diet free of processed sugar and food.  Weston Price Organization

Weston Price diet is like Paleo diet. What I got out of it is if you start by eliminating processed food, you begin a path to healthy living. Even though I indulge my girls with sweets and donuts, I don’t allow processed food in the house. As a result, they don’t have cavities issues, nor do they have any affinity for unhealthy food. Teach them young. Why not?

So my friends, be mindful. What goes in and out of your mouth. It will serve you well in life. Even though I fail at times, I am very conscious of it. If I say something that was not intended the way it was perceived, I ask for forgiveness promptly.  We all make mistakes. But we have the immense capacity to change things.