I know that I have had some harsh things to say about my father, Rein Neem. However, he did give me some sage advice (and skills needed to be in the bush): “before you are about to say something, take a sip of water“.
Translation: when I am about to say something in anger… or bark out a glib comment… pause (let the mouthful of water give me time to predict possible outcomes). Swallow. Then speak.
My dad rarely followed that advice, but I try… yes try to do that.
My spouse shared her favourite (at first blush, glib) advice: “before you do, don’t”.
Of course, Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy has another piece of advice: “don’t panic”.
Now if you excuse me, I’m going to pretend mixing myself up a pan-galactic gargle blaster.
BCB&B, neemtree, bdb, and blog 