If you’ve gotten this far, you hopefully have at least a small sense of—and maybe even a great appreciation for—the pleasure that comes with improving your speech. Your world is a more beautiful place. You have a sense of accomplishment, for even a small accomplishment brings us satisfaction.
As international educator and author Rabbi Noach Orlowek said, “Small change isn’t small change.”
You should know, however, that we have only scratched the surface of our topic. Much more detailed instruction can be found in other great books about lashon hara. In fact, avoiding lashon hara is just one of many such worthy endeavors. Related mitzvot of improved speech include not lying, not revealing other people’s secrets, and not aggrieving others in your conversations with them.
And then there are mitzvot such as not taking revenge, not bearing a grudge, and loving your neighbor as yourself.
Improvement of character is a goal of all of the mitzvot of the Torah, making us into dignified, noble, and admirable people. A kind, considerate, and just community. The kind of people who feel proud of themselves and are the desired company of their peers.
That lofty description does not generally apply to someone after only 30 days of effort. It takes a lifetime of work and self-growth. The good news, however, is that the reward is felt immediately, because making progress towards the goal is extremely satisfying.
You might now consider reviewing these lessons for another 30 days to absorb more about avoiding lashon hara. And there are also groups of like-minded people in class settings with whom you can learn.
One thing is certain: You cannot return to a state of insensitivity about the power of speech. The way you speak has a very great deal of influence over you and everyone around you. Go wield your power mindfully.
Your final Daily To-Do is to decide what you can do to ensure that this month wasn’t for naught. Choose another helpful book, join a class, or start these 30 days once again, from the beginning.