"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." -- Proverbs 13:3

A minister and his wife were driving back from a convention in Acapulco. Terry felt a sudden urge to visit a married couple they knew in Oaxaca, Mexico, where he and Jackie had served as missionaries. Jackie agreed, so they changed their itinerary.

When they walked into the couple's rented house, they understood why they had felt the need to drive so far out of their way. Their friends were out of funds and the cupboard was bare. Terry said he'd figure out a way to help them get back on their feet. (He did.) Everyone was hungry, so Terry and Jackie took their friends out to dinner. They parked on a downtown street.

Jackie was already on her way to the restaurant when Terry said, "You left your purse on the front seat."

"I don't want it," said Jackie.

"But Jackie," replied Terry, "You don't leave your purse in the car in Oaxaca."

"I don't want it!" answered Jackie.

They ate dinner and walked back to the car. The glass on the passenger side was shattered. Jackie's purse was gone, along with her money, passport, and credit cards.

By pronouncing the words I don't want it, Jackie relinquished ownership of her purse. From that moment on, it was anyone's for the taking.

Everything overlaps. What Jackie really meant was: I don't want to take it with me. When she said I don't want it, she wasn't thinking about her valuables inside the purse, but that is what she said.

How many times have you said to someone, "You drive me crazy"? As often as you've said it, you're not crazy. Or are you? Anyone who blames another person for his mood or emotions is not a healthy human being.

As soon as I realize that I have the power to choose my emotions, I can see that you aren't the one who drives me crazy. I drive myself crazy by fixing my thoughts on this thing you're doing.

Grasping this truth puts me in a position to choose my attitude and emotions. By realizing that I am responsible for the circumstances of my life, I now have the power to do something about them.

If you're tired of being your own worst enemy, it's time to get serious about the words you use.