So far, in this blog series, I have explored how easily the movement from stimulus to reaction can occur. In the experiences I have shared, you are safe to assume that this can also happen quite quickly. The result, however, lasts longer than the reaction and weighs heavier. These reactions stem from emotions of discomfort. They are part of being human – just like those fueled by surprise, joy, and happiness – except that they are less talked about and infrequently accepted because we live in a world that prefers to push false positivity over human nature.
“False positivity doesn’t work for me. I choose to embrace being human and all the emotions that are part of it.”
– Melissa Law
What if there was another option, an option that fuels a sense of control and peace? Sounds lovely doesn’t it? The great news is that even a tough old bird like me has learned new habits that allow me to step in and control the thoughts that once controlled me. In doing so, I have learned to move from reaction to response. The result has been nothing short of transformative. I am not suggesting that I have learned to effectively bottle or ignore emotions of discomfort, rather I have learned to acknowledge, accept, and learn from them in a productive way that yields a better experience for myself and others. False positivity (pretending to be positive, when I’m not at all feeling that way, for the sake of others) doesn’t work for me. I choose to embrace being human and all the emotions that are part of it.
Keep reading. Next week, I will move to the right side of the Response Loop and share my journey in learning to curate intentional responses while accepting my humanity.
– Melissa Law
