Just A Thought:

Everything will be all right in the end. If it is not all right, it is not yet the end.

Paulo Coelho

When you choose what to watch or read, you are choosing your future thoughts and perspectives. Consume what you’d like to become.

When someone acts badly, it’s tempting to react in kind. In moments when you feel attacked or judged, it can be difficult to ‘take the high road’ – to respond in a way that reflects your values and the sort of person you want to be.

Responding well can require managing a sense of threat. Confrontation with others can trigger an involuntary response that discourages empathy and critical thinking. Restoring a sense of safeness can make it easier to take the high road in these situations.

Get curious about possible triggers. Think about – and list, if you’d like – some of the situations, people or conversation topics that tend to activate your threat system.

Cultivate awareness of your feelings. ‘Checking in’ on your physical and mental state a few times a day, and other mindfulness practices, can make you better prepared to notice the changes that happen when an interaction triggers you.

Practice getting the safeness system online. With exercises such as soothing rhythm breathing and soothing mental imagery, you can learn to calm yourself when an encounter stirs up irritation or anxiety.

Enlist the help of your ‘compassionate self’. Imagine how a version of you that is especially kind, courageous and wise would respond to a specific challenging interaction – and use your reflections to create a plan.

Consider life changes to help your compassionate self emerge. Taking care of yourself through rest, exercise, and seeking support can make it easier to respond well in potentially stressful situations.

Exercise kind curiosity about other people’s behaviour. Ask yourself: ‘How does it make sense that someone might act that way?’ Considering possible explanations could help you respond with greater empathy.