People often know what they want to say and speak their mind without thinking out how their words impact others. Others spend a lot of time thinking about what to say before speaking up and then often do not speak up at all. There’s a balance to be found. Tact is thinking before you speak.

What matters most is that you speak up when you need to and tell the truth; practice tact if your words might offend.

If you fear your words might hurt a heart, then choose your words wisely while still being truthful. It is a learnt skill that will serve you throughout your entire life.

What always amazes me is how willing people are to take on what someone is saying about someone else. That is called gossip. It is hear-say. It may or may not be true, it may or may not be gossip, and it may or may not be well-meaning.

Whenever someone says something about someone else question it. Unless of course, it is a positive connotation. Even then, it is often an opinion or judgement that is shared.

Think for yourself, make up your own mind and go directly to the source if you feel you need to and most of all, trust your instincts.

Do your best to express yourself kindly, although always remember that you are not responsible for how your words are perceived; however, you are responsible for the words you speak.

You have the power to encourage and support rather than discourage and burden. Lift spirits rather than knock them down.

Sometimes it does not matter how you express yourself as people will take offence; this is often because of their personal history, which usually has nothing to do with you. As long as you know, you had well-meaning intentions that is all you need to know. The world can never have enough kind words spoken from the heart. Practice this at least daily.