There’s that old saying, the one where it says that you need to think before speaking. Has no doubt been said by everyone, towards anyone who has lost their temper.

I assume, that all of you, have been in a situation for where you have spoken before thinking. And the overwhelming feeling of guilt, regret and shame just rise out of you like an over flowing saucepan.

You realise with absolute horror, that you have said things, very terrible and offensive things.

When this happens to me, I like to reflect on my behaviour, so that I can better myself for possible future reactions and/or situations.

There is one incident that stands out, and that involved a nurse. I was working on a unit by myself, and one of the clients had slipped out of bed and onto a crash mat. So I followed the company’s policy, I got the nurse to check the client over.

However, the nurse was not happy. They insisted that this was all a waste of time, and that there was no need to check her. I however disagreed. Therefore I lost my temper, I engaged my mouth before my brian and began having a go at her. In front of the client.

Looking back, I should have thought of the phrase: “Think before you speak.” I realised that I was unprofessional, and should have dealt with it properly.

You’re probably wondering why I have decided to post something like this. I almost spoke before thinking at work last night, but I thought about my possible reaction and stopped it.

I guess, through thinking about it and now, writing about the experience I have began to better understand myself.

Again, thank you for reading this. Even if you think all of this is stupid.

Thanks,

The Velvet Notebook.