Intense feelings sometimes come from what seems like nowhere
and seem to sweep over me like a tidal wave.
When this happens I want to make a conscious choice to step away from
reactivity. My first instinct is to run
away, hide and give up or else come out swinging like a banshee. However, I know I will later regret my
impulsive all or nothing behavior.
Instead, I choose to take a time out. I intend to make no immediate decisions until
I have regained a sense of calm. I will
breathe and ask myself what I need and soothe myself with nurturance and comfort. Afterwards, I will explore whatever happened
that set me off. I will recognize the
action or words I experienced and examine how I interpreted that event. I can look at my interpretation and notice
how rational or irrational it might be.
I may make a note to check out any assumptions I have made. I will move forward only after I know what I
think, feel and need in the situation.
THEN, and only then, I can take assertive and well thought out action.
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