“A loud voice cannot compete with a clear voice, even if it is a whisper.”
(Barry Neil Kaufman)

There’s something about the power of quietness that modern society doesn’t know how to cultivate. We get anxious and feel like we have to compete with so many other voices and noises. But when we bluster and shout at people in order to get them to comply, we’re not really getting through to them. What’s worse, they can tell we’re not in control, and it makes us seem like a hurricane — they just have to hold on until we blow over.

It takes real discipline and genuine self-control to speak clearly — not through gritted teeth, but with calm, cool confidence.

When you find yourself on the verge of “losing it,” take a nice, long, deep breath and remember you’re an adult human, not a reactive lizard.

Generally speaking, you’ll find that a few words spoken softly with conviction will get you a whole lot farther than any yelling ever could.

Peace begins with pause,