Nothing to say

There are times when I am tempted to express my thoughts that are based on judgments and opinions. I am becoming aware of how they add nothing positive to the situation at hand. If anything, they can make matters worse because of the agenda behind them. So for now I choose to remain silent about what has happened. I find it interesting to listen to the thoughts ruminating in my head. They can still be playing my internal dialog, the difference is that I choose not to externalize those thoughts. It isn't always easy. I think that the next piece that would logically follow would be to offer words of support. These words are not meant to condone the actions of others, but to attempt to reconnect to the positive. Something as simple as, "I'm sorry that just happened to you," would suffice. Then it is time for silence. I can allow the other person to respond or not. My approach to these situations moves from judgment to compassion, which can sometimes require a quantum leap for me. The less said in the moment, the less need to make amends in the future for my words. When was the last time that saying nothing would have been of benefit to a situation for you and what are you willing to do differently today?