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Think Twice, Act Once

By Marvin Thompson Jr | Contributing Columnist

It’s been just over a few years since we shifted as a society; some would say we’ve crossed the river, standing proudly on the other side. Others would argue that if we’re not careful, we could ultimately drown underneath the fragility of self grandeur. Either way, we must grant ourselves and others grace during these times. But what would our outcome be if we, collectively, didn’t think of grace as the safety net below the high wire, but instead honed our skills to walk the wire more gracefully?

I’ve recently tackled a few home renovation projects, oftentimes checking the blogs and YouTube channels of professionals in the field. One mantra I hear repeated over and over is, “measure twice, cut once”, the idea being going the extra step on the front-end will save you time (and ultimately money) on the back-end. This rings true in all areas of our lives: work, relationships. Our presence on social media is where this philosophy can really be put into practice. So much of what we hear and read is simply a knee-jerk reaction to an ill-timed or uninformed statement. An online chain reaction car wreck, complete with pictures and video. What if we took a breath and asked is this necessary? Will someone be hurt or confused by my words or deeds? Even if what I’m saying is factual, is it expedient?

As we navigate our way back outdoors after a long Michigan winter, remember to treat those whose faces we can touch, as well as those who exist in our online universe, with respect equal to that of which we desire for ourselves. As James Baldwin cautioned, “People pay for what they do, and still more for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply; by the lives they lead.”

So as the flowers begin to bloom, let’s consider using our thoughts, words and actions to nurture and to uplift. Always thinking twice before acting once. In my opinion, a mantra appropriate for all seasons.

Want to know more about Marvin? Go to marvinthompsonjr.com. Experience his music on iTunes, Spotify and all streaming platforms.

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