We Have a Choice!

We have a choice regarding the emotions we experience or the degree to which we experience them when facing unpleasant circumstances. It is easy to forget this when triggers have been formed. That is, when we repeatedly react in negative ways to circumstances then triggers are created that instantly produce the negative emotions that have been reinforced. As Viktor Frankl said, "between stimulus and response there is a space; this space is where we have the power to choose our response." Begin to recognize the space immediately following a circumstance so you can observe what you are thinking and feeling. The more you do this, the more you will be able to stop the old pattern and choose thoughts that elicit more productive emotions and behaviors. With practice, we will find that we can change and choose our immediate reactions to more challenges than we realized. Happy changing!