Mindful Speech

Can't remember where I came across it, but I've found myself referring to this frequently in the past few weeks: "To be mindful, speech must be true, timely, useful, and said gently and with compassion." Can you imagine if everyone actually spoke this way? Of course there are many people who do--and you probably can think of a few of them right off, just as I can. People who are compassionate and kind are always the ones we seek when we need someone to talk to. But mindful speech is not easy. I find often it's easier to offer my opinion, and not always in the gentlest way! Maybe I keep thinking about this quote because I need to work on this!!