Whenever capturing a kernel in my blog notebook that has potential to later put me on my high horse as I compose a post, I frequently add an admonishment right alongside the kernel. Of late, the one that seems to work best is "Be careful, Pat". Kind of a written equivalent of counting to ten before opening my mouth.
When e-mail first became popular, I recall once being instructed not to send anything written while angry or otherwise upset. It's possible that long-ago instruction prompted me to begin admonishing myself in my notebook. But even if there is no connection, being more deliberate before publishing 2600 blog posts has had some unintended and welcome consequences in my face-to-face interactions. I'm both more tactful and marginally less judgmental than I was fifteen years ago.Though no one is likely to mistake me for a Zen master, it's gratifying to feel myself growing. And my plan? Continue jotting down reminders to be careful. What strategies help you avoid that high horse?