Three ways to stay steadfast in a reactionary world

We are quick to get angry.

We are quick to point fingers.

We are quick to blame.

We are quick to raise our voices.

We are quick to be revengeful.

We are quick to show frustration.

And we are quick to assume.

Simply put, we are surviving in a world that is too quick to react, rather than respond.

If the above list affected you in any way, you might be finding it hard to stay afloat with the other struggling responders of the world. Please understand, you are not alone.

Negativity without resolution is suffocating; our world is no longer working hand-in-hand harmoniously, and it's disheartening.

Let me ask you a question about the last word on the list: Assume. What is the root word?

If you know, you're probably already chuckling or nodding your head to agree.

If you don't, I'll gladly share. The root word of ASSume is...(check out those first three letters).

Yep, when we are quick to react based off of our own understanding, this is what we make out of ourselves! Keep this in thought as you continue to read.

Reacting rather than responding brings uninvited and unnecessary stress. Not only into your own life but others. We, peoples, are not taking time to pause, focus, and think. Not only think about the situation at hand, but all those involved. When is the last time you looked side to side when your world felt like it was crumbling down? Were you thinking about the other's involved that you were so quick to blame or be the reason for your frustration?

One thing I have found to be true is that when we pause, we are allowing our situation to be purified by facts rather than emotions.

When we communicate openly about our situations, our feelings, and the facts behind the scenes, things actually come together quite beautifully.

Sadly, this is rare in today's world. We want our situations to be a microwaved resolution. No time for pausing, no time for communicating and absolutely no room for showing understanding. No one wants to grab all the ingredients involved and cook up a beautiful response. Instead, we just toss it in the microwave for a quick, messy fix that doesn't end healthy.

Reactions are going to happen, it's inevitable. If you find yourself consistently up against peoples quickly spewed reactions, as you stand firm, take heart.

Here are three ways to stay steadfast in a reactionary world:

1. Continue to Pause.

Pause hard - I mean that! Take a second, take five, or maybe twenty, to actually breathe. Breathe in, breathe out. Allow yourself to think about all peoples involved in the situation and all their perspectives. It might be hard to swallow, but your opinion and perspective isn't the only one that matters. It's the same thing as putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Breathe in the good, breathe out the frustration. Pause and prepare to communicate with those involved.

2. Openly Communicate

Work hard to communicate. Don't just share what you "think" needs to be shared, talk about it all! There is an art to communication. Be authentic as you fully share your perspective. Remember, don't assume that others know what's going on in your life. We don't all relate and grasp life the same way when it comes to our words, emotions, and feelings in regards to an event. Naturally, we all feel and experience things differently; it's good to communicate this to the other peoples involved.

3. Spread forgiveness

Sadly, just because you are the one who is persuing the right thing by pausing and communicating, this does not guarantee the other person's response won't be a reaction. Be sure to ask yourself: how did YOU respond? Don't let others shake you. Stand firm, stay confident, cast understanding and forgive. Fully knowing how you are treating the other persons involved gives you so much healing. Despite how they treat you, walk away without a bitter weight. Repeat to yourself: Be the better person, be the example, be the best version of yourself, and above all else, forgive and move forward.

#Respond #pause #reflect #communication #forgiveness #love #healing #authenticyou #betrue #bebetter #personalgrowth

(If you feel you're lacking the confidence to openly communicate - check out my other blog post: 4 ways to protect your confidence.)