Sometimes people — myself included — complicate life needlessly.

Yesterday my friend Steve Wiens reminded me of an Anne Lamott’s acronym W.A.I.T.  I’ll explain what it means in a moment, but you’ll — pardon the pun — have to wait.

Wait

Lamott’s most recent book “Some Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son’s First Son” describes the challenge she faced, especially in the beginning, as she tried to find a balance between helping and hampering her teenage son who was suddenly faced with an unplanned pregnancy.

In an interview with CNN Lamott explains, “I knew I’m a control freak and that I would want to manage their lives and be the third parent. I had to be very strict with myself … I would stop and say, ‘Wait, why am I talking?’ “

Wait, Why Am I Talking?

I think Wait — W.A.I.T. — Why Am I Talking? is a wonderful self-check. 

Scott, wait. W.A.I.T.! Why am I talking?  Am I afraid?
Scott, wait. W.A.I.T.! Why am I talking? Am I afraid of failure?
Scott, wait. W.A.I.T.! Why am I talking? Am I afraid of rejection?
Scott, wait. W.A.I.T.! Why am I talking? Am I afraid of losing control?

The acronym W.A.I.T. is a great reminder — as they say — it’s right on the button.

It’s a big red pause button to stop my panic and prevent me from causing additional pain to myself or others.

I’m talking.  Am I trying to coach and counsel? Or, am I trying to control?