React Responsibly

Reactions are one of the most normal human traits out there. But . . . they are also one of the most dangerous!

It took me having children to learn about reactions! When someone cuts you off in traffic, it's normal to reaction with . . . perhaps . . . a foul word or gesture. When someone is rude to you at work, it's normal to react with anger and indignation. When someone hurts your feelings or betrays you, it's normal to react with a healthy dose of vengeance. The problem with those normal 'reactions' is that they never help alleviate the initial problem! And, usually, they only make it worse!

When someone cuts you off in traffic, by all means let them arrive at the red light a whole six seconds before you. When someone is rude to you at work, maybe just an "I'm sorry you're having a bad day," might make them stop in their tracks to ponder your words. When someone betrays you, pray for them. They have a much deeper pain than they have intended to inflict upon you.

Taking a moment to step back, to breathe, to ingest the situation is a most helpful and resourceful tool. Ponder WHY these folks have acted the way they have. Is that crazy driver late for an important interview? Perhaps he's rushing someone to the doctor? Are you still going to get where you're going on time? Do his actions REALLY affect your life? NOPE!

The person who is rude to you at work . . . their day must be much worse than yours to be in such a snit. "Kill 'em with kindness" is what my mother used to say. I have found that when someone is truly rude and overtly obnoxious, the best thing to do is to simply be nice. Smile. Be polite. They just don't get it and, in trying to fathom how you cannot possibly be upset by their unfeeling ignorance, they loose a little of their ugliness.

When someone betrays you, pray for their soul! They are battling something; whether it is jealousy, anger, bitterness, sadness, loneliness . . . something. Don't fuel their fire. It's one of the hardest things to do, but simply walk away. Do not engage in a battle you don't and cannot understand. You won't win.

Do not REACT. Instead . . . breathe, relax, step back, and take stock of what lies before you.  Is it THAT important to rant and rave? No! Is it THAT important to stoop to their level? No! Is it THAT important to 'get even'? No! Just exist with the hope that that person might learn from you. 

React responsibly!