My mother was probably right

The power of words and wise advice

Mama Said © Kathryn LeRoy

Hello friend,

I don’t care how many years pass, but my Mother’s words still reverberate. I smile. I grimace. And, as much as I resisted agreeing, she knew more than I thought.

Jump a lifetime. It’s Black Friday—the greatest shopping day—ever. I’m exploring kitchen scales because I want a new one for measuring the ingredients for my new pastime, sourdough bread. What better day to scour deals for the most accurate, best, perfect, and limited-time offer I can’t pass up?

I survey the options, read the product description, and check the number of reviewers, the average star review, and the written comments. That’s when I heard my Mother’s voice loud and clear.

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

I understand not every item is as perfect as presented. However, I’m hard-pressed to believe that any company strives to manufacture the worst kitchen scale on earth with the sole purpose of making someone’s life miserable.

One reviewer ranted on about the scale’s shortcomings and failure to meet customer expectations. The comments traveled well beyond constructive feedback and bordered on mean.

One more time, I heard my Mother’s voice ringing clear and loud.

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

There’s Always One © Kathryn LeRoy

This was not an isolated, one-in-a-million, unhappy person who woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Whether it’s product or book reviews, comments on social media, or mumbling shoppers disparaging the checker who just ran out of cash register tape, we seem to have left our manners under the bed.

Our words build or tear down. They uplift or discourage. I wonder what would happen if we viewed everyone who lives on the other side of the internet, across the world, down the street, or standing in front of us as a human being worthy of respect and empathy.

What if, we first considered my Mother’s words?

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

Who Me? © Kathryn LeRoy

Who are we? Resumes never tell the whole truth.

Taylor Bertolini speaks of the power of words and puts her ideas into action. Her inspiration? A smile, a high-five, and her mother.

If you’re a mother, know a mother, or mothering a mother, Brandi Carlise sings for The Mother in you. Mama Said, there’ll be days like this.

The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers:
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?”
—Arabian proverb

Are You Listening? © Kathryn LeRoy

If you would like to read more from me, visit my website. I’ll be there waiting for you.

With gratitude,

Kathryn

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