React or Respond?

Sometimes you just need someone else to verbalise what you already know and/or think, to make you look at things a little differently. Or, to reconfirm what you "think" is right... it can be even better when this reconfirmation comes from an unlikely source or a stranger - somehow it seems to have a bigger impact then. Don't you think?


I've been thinking a lot about my behaviours regarding stressful situations and the kids, as you've read. I don't like how I handle some circumstances. I was reminded recently that I am human and we all slip up and make mistakes and that is part of the humbling job of parenthood - sure, couldn't agree more. But that doesn't mean that I can't try harder, surely? I am trying to act in a more deliberate way, rather than flying off the handle in a grace-less manner, displaying little self control.


 On the way to Church the other night, I was wondering what "lesson" I would come away with... and what impact it would have on me. The address actually covered many topics and touched my heart with a few. The thing, however, that had the biggest impact on my was about "reacting" and "responding" and the differences between these two behaviours.


To react is to act on impulse and usually with emotion at the forefront.


To respond involves a level of conscious control ( not of the situations, but how it impacts you), with thought involved. Thus it is a more "measured" response. This can only be a good thing, yes? - because as most aspects of emotion are over ridden by intellect and a thought- full process.


It is much easier to hypothesise about than to put into practice... but you can never have too many reminders to make you think "What am I doing?" "How am I acting?" "Why am I reacting/responding like this?" "Am I reacting to the actual situation or is there something else affecting how I react/respond?" And I guess most importantly "What is the best way that I can respond?" I think that one's the key.

Danni xx