Written by Dan Betzer
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Chicagoan James O'Conner runs a
fascinating school. It's called the Cuss
Control Academy. He works with his
students on a two-class-per-month study
to curb their proclivity to swear.
He has also written a book, "Cuss Control:
The Complete Book on How to Curb Your
Cursing." He states his case: "Our society
seems to have come to the comfort level
where any kind of four-letter word is OK."
He's right and let's all hope that movie
script writers each get a copy of Mr.
O'Conner's book and stop their insane
pursuit of winning the garbage-mouth
awards.
O'Conner recommends a number of things
to help people stop swearing:
1) Recognize that swearing causes
damage.
2) Eliminate what O'Conner calls
casual swearing. He says,
"Pretend that your five-year-old
daughter is right next to you."
3) Be patient. Don't let those traffic
jams cause you to lose your cool.
4) Think of what you should have said.
It's a mind exercise, O'Conner
claims.
And he encourages his students to work hard
at breaking their habits. Control the emotions
that prompt the cussing.
King David once prayed, "O Lord, let the
words of my mouth and the thoughts that I
think be acceptable in thy sight!"
What a great prayer--especially since the
things we say generally come from those
thoughts we think.
The tongue is a deadly organ. It has
probably killed more people, hopes and
dreams than the fist ever has. It's tough
to control it!
You know, it would be a lot less stressful
world if people controlled their tongues.
And their emotions.
O'Conner agrees. He says, "When you
control your emotions, you're going to be
a more content person, and you're also
going to be a much more pleasant person
to be around."
Oh...and one more thing...movies and
television might have to return to the silent
era. And wouldn't that be a relief?
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