There’s at least one thing I’m gradually finally learning for my own good over the last few weeks, and it is perhaps the most profound and important for me in my own life, and it’s is to truly pause and reflect before replying to anything. To compose and repose myself after an external event or word spoken to, then and only then to give a sincere response.

It is a mark of wisdom to be patient, but to be patient in the moment takes extreme self-restraint. This is something that can be learnt by all of us if we are truly going to live a good life. For responses to hardship, criticism and pain can only prove to provide fuel to the exact situations our responses are intended to dissuade if they are reactionary.

This is a rule intrinsic to human interaction and it can be expounded by stating that pausing to reflect before action yields positive results and acting reactively yields the exact circumstances we endeavour to avoid. 

I’m continuing to learn to pause before replying, to assess the situation with all the wisdom and insight accessible to me and only then provide a response. Yes, the silence or inaction may be deafening or even awkward but this is how it must be, and how it must be to be free and obtain control of one’s destiny.

It makes logical sense to pause and reflect before a response to life’s occurrences because it gives time to nominate the best outcome for each individual circumstance. It takes practice and a strong will but it is most definitely worth it. Try it the next time you feel flustered – simply stop in your tracks. Take a moment. Think of the consequences, breath and then reply. Make a habit of it and you will quickly discover its benefits.

As always, stay blessed!