In Woman’s Day magazine, Katie Couric, a well-known journalist and author; elaborated on her frustration with public cursing. In reference to profanity, she states:

“Now, it seems, we’ve become so accustomed to bad language that everything is fair game, and it’s getting harder to protect our kids from it. Cursing is modern-day noise pollution.”

Do you view cursing as noise pollution? Each person would do well to ask, “Am I walking down the streets (live & virtual) filling them with smoke so thick it is creating smog?”

Persons sometimes say, “You just don’t understand. There is only one way to express how I feel!”

No one would argue against that we live in frustrating times. However, on an optimistic note, all we may need to know is why something is beneficial in order for us to try it; right?

The 5 ways to quit cursing gives these reasons

1. Originally, and nothing has changed, cursing is used to demean, show disrespect, cause ill will, and show hatred.  Understanding the real usage for profanity will help us to appreciate the application of the other points.
2. Picture yourself on a job interview. Can you imagine the tone and language that will be used? You will show the best part of yourself or personality. Will any profanity be used at all? No, most likely not. The reason cursing will not be involved is because you know it just wouldn’t be cool to use such crass language in the presence of this person. This person deserves your respect. With this in mind, try to view all people as deserving respect and dignity when you talk with them. Even someone who loves you less or vice versa.
3. ‘You can say what you want to say, just in the right way.’  So, can you think of different words to express yourself?  When angry, just say “I am angry right now.” Or if you want more flare, say “If I was a teapot, I would be at a full boil.” Or “I just don’t care to hear it.”  You can politely express your anger over any situation. This way when you calm down, people will still respect you.
4. If your vocabulary is presently limited, then read. Look up words in a dictionary. You can also listen to others who have a vast vocabulary like teachers. Notice how they teach in school. Practice adding some of their rhetoric (the art of speaking or writing effectively) to the ways you express yourself in anger and humor.
5. Keep in mind there is someone higher than all of us who hears everything we say. Our motivation and power to clean the smog out of today’s air comes from the Grand Creator of all things. The same way we are motivated to show respect for our parents and teachers by our choice of words, you should realize we show respect for ourselves too.

In closing, always remember cursing is not cool. “What if I make a mistake?” You ask. Well, just like you mentioned, it should be a “mistake” and not a practice. Ask forgiveness and make it your positive resolve you will keep trying to show others and yourself respect by not cursing.

May you have success in what truly matters.

Note: The fullness of this article would not apply to sufferers of Tourette syndrome. A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.