Consider The Source

I've learned over the years to slow my response...to consider the source of what or who is making me angry. Not to imply that I always succeed at biting my tongue or not responding to something that angers me but, I am much better at it than I have been in times past... One of the best pieces of advise that my mother has given me is to "Consider the source". It is a simple phrase but, it carries a huge lesson. When I was growing up and someone had hurt my feelings or said something cruel or hateful to me, my mother would always say, "Consider the source." It took me a while to completely understand what she meant but, those words were the wisest thing she could have said to me. There are things that are a sure thing in this life and one of those things is that there will always be someone or something that "rubs you the wrong way" or offends you in some way. I've had "friends" who inadvertently have said things that make my blood boil...but, I've learned to consider the source. Who are they? Do they really mean anything to me? Does their opinion really matter to me? Are they intelligent enough to even have an opinion? Are they simply too ignorant to waste my breath on? Better yet, what have they ever done to contribute to my happiness or well being? If you were to ask these questions or similar questions every time you felt like opening your mouth to blast someone and set them straight, you might just decide to close you mouth and take a deep breath. Just consider the source and smile! Now on the other hand, in most instances, if I do open my mouth to tell you how I'm feeling or if I lose my temper with you, this is a very good indication that you do mean something to me and I do value your place in my life and even after considering the source, I must speak my mind! Its when I'm quite and don't bother that I'm considering the source and you're simply not worth the breath it would take to tell you....but, if you could only read my mind...