Something to Think About

To change one’s life is not to change outer circumstances: it is to change one’s reactions.

Maurice Nicoll

How I respond to life’s circumstances creates the life I live. I think of something as simple as listening to someone say something I do not like. My immediate reactions are anger, defensiveness, counter attack, or retreat into my silent kingdom where only I am allowed entrance. Sound familiar?

There is a different way. I can choose to enter into constructive dialogue.

I can choose to seek to understand the other.

I can choose to listen and to respond in a way that furthers the relationship.

Have you found yourself in situations where you chose to set aside your initial ‘gut reaction’ and respond constructively? What was happening? Did it help to forge a more deeper dialogue?