Respond Versus React

If I could impart one of the most powerful themes in the Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff books it’s this: When you react to life, you might as well drop something on your foot (ouch!) because the words you speak and the actions you take from knee-jerk reactions will play havoc in your life. You’ll have many regrets in the wake of your reactions.

My friend is a paralegal assistant for a divorce attorney. She says the number one thing that they work on initially with their clients who are going through a divorce settlement is coaching them on not being over reactive to text messages and other communications with their X-person. Makes sense right? When you react (versus respond) to any heated situation, it’s just like blowing air on fire. Your reaction could be the fuel that turns something small into something bigger.

It’s super easy to become reactive with a spouse, a child, or anyone that you’re in a close relationship with because of the habits and dynamics of intimacy/familiarity. Think about it. You start finishing your kids’ or spouse’s sentences for them, but would you do that to a complete stranger? Of course you would not. You’d listen to the end of the sentence and wait to respond, right?

What’s in it for you to become more responsive?

EVERYTHING changes for the better when you respond (versus react) to life. Your communication is more heartfelt. You have a moment to access the part of your brain that is wise and you can feel your heart. You can feel calm and respond from love, rather than reacting from emotion that simply needs a moment to be subdued.

Vibrant people are heart-centered; they vibrate love.

It’s really simple to practice being heart-centered.

It’s uber effective.

It allows you to open to a wiser, more straightforward form of communication.

There are just three steps you need to practice consistently in order to shift from being a reactive person to more responsive from your heart.

1. Pause and Breathe three full seconds.
2. Reflect for a moment or two.
3. Respond with compassion.

Well, what do you think would happen if you did respond from compassion in your closest relationships? Do you think the people around you (those people you say you love the most) might feel better understood and more heard?

How do you feel this kind of listening and responding might impact all of your relationships?

Love is listening.

Listening from your heart is love vibrating with compassion and goodness.

What could be more powerful than that?

Try this simple formula as you pause and respond and awaken to your most vibrant life.