I don’t know about you, but I have a habit of repeating the same mistake over and over again. I’m sure God gets absolutely exhausted teaching me the same thing repeatedly. One of my biggest lessons? Speaking when I’m angry. Do you ever put your foot in it?
A few weeks ago, I posted about my pandemic experience while working in a community hospital. I tried to be factual and relay only things that I’ve directly experienced (some people still didn’t believe me though I spoke directly to my personal experience…but I digress).
I need to come clean. That post did not start off as a factual post. It began as a very reactionary post. I struggled with the fact that I wasn’t tested when I had some symptoms of COVID-19. It’s easy to take things out of context and personalize them. The hospital wasn’t able to test me because of a strict algorithm on who should be tested. The algorithm was in place because of the shortage of reagents for the tests. It wasn’t that I’m not valued or appreciated…though it sure felt like that.
Thus, the blog started out scathing… but like a fine wine, it mellowed over time. Isn’t that how our emotions are?
5-Hour Rule
Let me introduce you to the five-hour rule. This is a lifesaver for me. The rule goes like this: when I get angry (or saddened or feel wronged… anything along these lines), I cannot respond or post anything for five hours. I can draft something, but I can’t send it.
Do you know how many times this has saved me? You, reader, probably had a message drafted to you at one point or another (haha).
Why is this important?
Put Your Foot in It
It takes no strength to let our emotional reactions rip. None. This is the walk of cowards; I know because I’m stuck here. Silence and self-control take strength and power. Belittling requires no skill. In the moment it makes us feel strong, but it’s weakness at its best.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).
In what ways do you put your foot in it? Ever “oopsed” by succumbing to your emotional reaction?
Love,
K.
Author of Ten Iron Principles, Contributor in The Power to Make a Difference
That’s a fantastic rule and one we should all have in place I think!
Thank you… I need it!
Thanks for sharing not only that you are human and fail, but an overcoming mechanism that God has revealed to you to help. I really like the five-hour rule. Great idea.
That’s a good rule! Popping off never helps anyone–and it always makes us feel worse.
oh, I like your five hour rule. I have used something similar, but it felt more like stewing than self-control. But thankfully the result has been similar. But now that I can name it, it will feel more intentional.
“Nope, I can’t say a word, it hasn’t been five hours yet.”
Thanks for saving my bacon!
Jeanne, this rule has saved me many times!!!
Love this! I’m excited to read more of your stuff!