Weekly Challenge ~ 004

WHERE GRATITUDE GROWS CHALLENGES YOU...

Pause Before You React

Have you ever reacted in the heat of a moment and later wished you had chosen different words?

Sometimes our reaction comes so quickly that we respond before we have even had time to understand what we are feeling.

Anger.

Frustration.

Hurt.

Embarrassment.

Fear.

So this week, when you feel a reaction rising, pause before you respond.

Take a breath.

Count to five.

Step away for a moment if you need to.

Then ask yourself:

"What am I really feeling?"

"Does this need a response right now?"

"What do I want my words to accomplish?"

This isn't about ignoring your feelings or pretending that something didn't hurt.

It isn't about remaining silent when a boundary has been crossed.

Your feelings still matter.

Sometimes, after you pause, you may decide that something does need to be said - and it may still need to be said firmly.

The difference is that your response will be consciously chosen rather than decided for you by the intensity of the moment.

For one week, practice placing a little space between what happens and what you do next.

Sometimes one breath is all it takes to change the direction of a conversation.

Are you up for the challenge?

At the end of the week, notice how many moments changed simply because you gave yourself time to choose your response.

So grab that yarn, take a breath, and give yourself a moment before you react this week.

I believe in you.

🌿WGG