Years ago, had you asked me my interpretation of the concept  of ‘right speech’ – I would have offered, “to speak authentically, and always from one’s heart.”

Though, truth be told, in practice my darlings – that’s not fully what it means. That is to say, there’s so much more to the concept of ‘right speech’ than an unfiltered expression of one’s emotion.

Here’s an example.

When I was a little girl, I had a favorite stuffed animal – a little monkey with rubber soled shoes. I took that monkey with me nearly everywhere. Until one day, when my brother through it onto a roaring fire.

“I hate you,” I cried as I ran off to my mother.

Truthful speech? Sure. But, in practice – it didn’t serve my heart.

Years later, I was faced with yet another challenging moment – a dear friend used words that caused my heart to crumble. And though, I could have held that hurt for years – in the end, I made a decision to let it go.

Why?

Because, holding on didn’t bring me joy.

And, isn’t that the test – to have wisdom enough to recognize our suffering, and courage enough to let it go?

Brother Thich Nhat Hanh once shared perhaps the most eloquent interpretation of right speech,

“Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I am committed to speaking truthfully using words that inspire confidence, joy, and hope.”

Indeed, knowing that our words can create both suffering or joy – my darlings, it is up to us to choose which we keep.

In my life I’ve finally learned the greatest lesson of all – that is, a peace-filled heart truly is the only way.

And, knowing that the right word can create a ripple effect of peace – my darlings, I choose always to use my words for good.