Always put yourself in a timeout before you do anything. 

In the same way silence is the most powerful form of speech,

( https://www.eachdayagift.com/blog-search?searchTerm=silence ) not doing something is the most powerful form of doing something.  Thinking before acting can provide you with clarity.  It provides you with an opportunity to plan ahead because your action will probably lead to a reaction - it gives you time to assess what those reactions may be and plan ahead for them.

As Mike Tyson famously said, “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”.  Your timeout, not acting gives you a better chance of planning ahead or reacting to “getting punched in the mouth”. 

Mind you, that this includes what people say to you or do to you and everything in between.

Timeouts are not just for children.

Children should learn that timeouts are also for smart adults.

Wishes for a great day to all,

Each one a gift,

David/