Emotional Outbursts In The Heat Of The Moment Can Do Great Harm. Here's How To Avoid Them.

How often do we find ourselves saying painful things in the heat of the moment to those we care about that we later regret? Words that cut deep but later realise we don't really mean. But once uttered the damage is done. No matter how bad we feel about what we've said these words can never truly be retracted. So what to do about it? Well, relying on set strategies to curb irrational outbursts in these emotionally charged moments doesn't always work for by then we're out of control and it's too late. The best way I know how to avoid this disastrous state of affairs is to keep in mind the heavy price others have paid for ill-considered words in the heat of the moment and learn from their experience. A telling example of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time can make us think twice about what we choose to say to avoid a similar thing happening to us.

Heather Thompson* was just like any thirteen-year-old teenager experiencing the normal joy and pain of growing up that we've all been through. On this particular night she had exchanged especially harsh words with her mother over some trivial observation her mother had made about the untidiness of her room. This heated exchange culminated in Heather storming off to her bedroom screaming, 'I really hate you!' and slamming the door behind her.

Feeling extremely angry with her lot in life Heather then took herself to bed. But she didn't sleep peacefully. Tormented by the hurtful words she had thrown at her mother, she tossed and turned for hours and finally fell into a fitful sleep in the early hours of the morning.

Unbeknown to Heather, in the middle of the night her mother quietly passed away.

Days later a grief-stricken Heather found a letter addressed to her in the drawer of her mother's dressing-table.

It read:

Dearest Heather,

Mummy has been sick for a long time now. I've tried to keep it from you in the hope that I'd get better. Please forgive some of the things I've said and done over these past twelve months as I've never meant to hurt you.

I love you very much and will forever,

Your loving mother

Now a grown woman, this letter remains one of Heather's most cherished possessions. Painfully, she reflects: 'If only we could turn back the clock, I'd make sure the last words I shared with my mother were words of love rather than words of hate.'

In times of great emotion keep the likes of Heather's story in mind and choose your words carefully. Not only could they be the last words this person hears you say, you're the one who has to live with them for the rest of your life.
*(Not her real name)

By: Laurie Smale

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About the Author: Laurie Smale is an inspirational speaker, author and Master Speech coach. His ideas and inspirations have changed the lives of thousands. Check out his life-changing self-help products on communicating effectiveness whether speaking with one person or in front of 1000! www.conversationmagic.com.au