“If you propose to speak, always ask yourself, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind” -Buddha

Because we’re not always comfortable with silence, we often fill it with chatter. Dr. Louann Brizendine, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, estimates that women speak approximately 20,000 words a day, and men 7,000.

Whether these numbers reflect your own habits or not, the fact remains we often communicate in words what can be better be expressed in actions. And in some cases, what’s better left unsaid.

We make promises to compensate for poor decisions. Over explain ourselves to manipulate the way we’re perceived. Analyze ad nauseum to maintain a sense of control. And worst for our state of mind, judge and complain to handle emotions about things we dislike or don’t understand.

Perhaps the best way to experience peace is to make room for it by silencing what contradicts. Starting with what we say.

Can you limit your words to what’s true, necessary, and kind today?