It is better to bend than to break.
Aesop, Greek writer
I want to say that I respond to change. The reality is that I react to change. This is a major point that may alter your life and may even extend it by lowering your blood pressure.
I have certain hot buttons, such as lack of character, fairness, honesty, and authenticity. If a person lies to me or is unfair, then I react. What do I do? My wife says that I power pout. Or, I may say something harsh or untactful. I can feel my rising blood pressure. Not good!
The difference between reacting and responding is critical. Reacting is a knee jerk reaction. Reacting implies emotional, rooted in past experience, and counter productive. Often we react with anger or bitterness based on past experiences.
Responding implies making a smart choice in terms of how we feel instead of reacting out of habit or circumstances. Responding is empowering. Responding entails understanding; correcting and preventing counter productive past behaviors.
Life Lesson Earned: Uncertainty and change are facts of life. They are unsettling. They are painful. Learn to go with the flow. Learn to respond, not to react. Your life’s on the line.