“Be conscious of the impact of your words.”

I think most of us probably played that game "telephone" growing up. The whole point of the game was to teach us not to gossip. I am saddened by how many adults I've seen spread rumors and say horrible things about people without having any confirmation of the accuracy of their words... and sometimes they down-right lie about other people.

I have seen careers, friendships and marriages ruined over rumors and gossip.

We all hear about national "anti-bullying" campaigns in schools and online, but we adults need to set the example for children to follow. Gossip is another form of bullying.

If you've gossiped, if you've spread rumors...you are a bully.  I won't pretend I haven't been a part of gossip and I won't pretend I've never shared a rumor I've heard, but I will admit that I am ashamed of myself for doing so. If I've learned anything the last 5 years it's that words carry a lot of weight and it's hard to erase lies from your memory.

"Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you."
Spanish Proverb