A great mind once said the following:
Watch Your Thoughts, They Become Words; Watch Your Words, They Become Actions
Unfortunately, I have been trying to figure out which of the great thinkers said this. I came across many possibilities: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Lao Tzu, Siddhartha Guatama, Margaret Thatcher, Abraham Lincoln, Marcus Aurelius, Mr. Spock, Mohandas Gandhi, Donald J. Trump.
(Ok, so one of the above “great thinkers” is a joke)
Anyway, so since I cannot figure what wise person said this, I have decided to attribute it to “myself.”
But there is a very important issue to consider re: this admonition: “Mind Our Words.” Read the following:
From “Pet” to “Fish”: Are you using Speciesist Language?
“How we Talk about Animals Matters for How They’re Treated”
So, as you read this, consider some of the following:
What is Speciesism?
Speciesist Language
Pronouns
“Pet and Owner”
Fish, and other singular nouns for animals
Farm animals
Euphemisms
Respecting Animals
So, just something to think about as we “Mind Our Words.”
Rev. William
This reminds me of a beautiful word I learned recently, the word "kahu." In Hawaiian, you are not the “owner” of a companion animal. You are their “kahu.” The word "kahu" has many meanings—beloved attendant, steward, guardian, protector. In other words, a kahu is the person trusted with the safekeeping of an animal who is precious and cherished. Not a belonging or a thing or any type of property. A kahu is entrusted with an animal who is part of their soul.