Apparently back in the 18th century, people would pour some of their coffee into the saucer that came with the coffee cup and then drink it out of there. Coffee was boiling hot, and you poured it into the saucer to cool it, which was considered more polite than the sort of slurping we modern folks do to mix it with air and cool it that way.
Anyway, sometimes I have hot thoughts. Positively boiling, in fact. I’ve learned it’s a very good idea to cool them. I make it a point to not talk about anything that’s upsetting me until the next day. Half the time, I’m not even upset the next day, which means I’ve cut down a lot on talking while frustrated. And when the temperature has dropped, if I’m still upset then I’m also more articulate. I’ve had time to think about what’s upsetting me and why, and I’m able to communicate that clearly and calmly.
“Sleep on it” has always been good advice. But having a plan and a method helps me to remember that. I’m not just waiting to get madder, later. I’m cooling off.
The Opportunity Machine 