Their is an urban myth that states it is safe to pick up dropped food within a five-second window and eat it. Actually, it started as the three-second rule and was stretched ( I think) when it took longer for certain ages to recover the food in the required time. Regardless, this hygiene action is a total myth––so take as long as you want.
However, I am learning that the five-second rule does have some benefits if you are hoping not to eat something––your own words.
I have a very––very––bad habit of speaking much too quickly. I interrupt. I react. I quip (which at the moment I think is funny, but really isn’t.) Anyway, I have decided to try to impose the five–second rule on myself. Count to five, and during those five seconds determine why I am going to say what I am going to say. If it falls under any of the following categories, then don’t say it.
Is it to prove someone wrong? Sometimes correction is necessary, but much too often, it isn’t. The right or wrongness of the statement doesn’t matter. So don’t say it.
Is it to make someone feel small? No wiggle room here. Don’t say it.
Is it to draw attention to myself? Really don’t say it.
Does it interrupt someone? Keep mouth shut.
Am I responding out of anger? Nope. Not a good time.
Is it not true? Probably shouldn’t even be thinking it let alone saying it.
I am sure I will encounter more reasons to keep my mouth shut, but I am thinking this is a good start. It also won’t be easy.
There are close to forty verses about guarding the tongue. Two that have spoken to me are the following from Proverbs.
Proverbs 10:19––When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 21:23––Whoever watches his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble.
Now, for a moment of silence.
However, I am learning that the five-second rule does have some benefits if you are hoping not to eat something––your own words.
I have a very––very––bad habit of speaking much too quickly. I interrupt. I react. I quip (which at the moment I think is funny, but really isn’t.) Anyway, I have decided to try to impose the five–second rule on myself. Count to five, and during those five seconds determine why I am going to say what I am going to say. If it falls under any of the following categories, then don’t say it.
Is it to prove someone wrong? Sometimes correction is necessary, but much too often, it isn’t. The right or wrongness of the statement doesn’t matter. So don’t say it.
Is it to make someone feel small? No wiggle room here. Don’t say it.
Is it to draw attention to myself? Really don’t say it.
Does it interrupt someone? Keep mouth shut.
Am I responding out of anger? Nope. Not a good time.
Is it not true? Probably shouldn’t even be thinking it let alone saying it.
I am sure I will encounter more reasons to keep my mouth shut, but I am thinking this is a good start. It also won’t be easy.
There are close to forty verses about guarding the tongue. Two that have spoken to me are the following from Proverbs.
Proverbs 10:19––When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 21:23––Whoever watches his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble.
Now, for a moment of silence.
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