We spend most of our lives reacting.

Somebody says something, we respond with the first thing that comes to mind.

Somebody does something, we do the first thing that comes to mind.

Somebody writes something, we comment the first thing that comes to mind.

It’s not that our reactions are wrong, it’s that they’re reactions. They’re not fully formed thoughts or actions or statements, run through the filters of critical thought and reason. And most of the time, they’re shared in a way that’s only going to elicit more reactions, rather than more critical thinking and reasoning.

The next time you’re about to react, stop. Pause.

Take a deep breath.

Count to three.

Do this ten times.

And see how your reaction changes.