Honesty's policy: when to know when to shut up

I have been known to speak my mind. More often than that, I've been known to speak what everyone else was thinking but no one felt was appropriate to say.

I quite regularly hear "Tell us how you really feel!"

Today is Honesty Day. It was created by a man who worked with politicians as a counter-balance to April Fools Day. No one really acknowledges the day nationally, but there it is. A celebration of honesty in people.

I can often be too honest. And not in a good way.

That's why I looked up the saying by Shirdi Sai Baba who must have been thinking of me when he asked this question.

Before you speak ask yourself: is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve upon the silence?

I have yet to convince myself not everything I think should also come spewing out of my mouth. I even love a good silence, but not when I have something witty to say.

So, in honour of Honesty Day, I'm going to try and remember what Shirdi said. I might even remember to apply it.

I have a feeling if we all followed this statement, there would be a lot more quiet in the world.

Especially from me!