understanding our triggers

It used to feel like joy was always just beyond my reach. In those moments that I did get a taste of happiness, it wasn't long before I'd fall back into familiar feelings of stress, chaos, and overwhelm.

I looked at those who appeared to be naturally positive with envy, wondering why I couldn't have some of that. I blamed others for my joy deprivation, focusing on how other people's choices impacted me. But I've learned that other people's behavior isn't about me and no matter how others treat me, I am the only one with the power to choose how I am going to respond to what shows up in front of me.

I've learned not to take other people's behavior personally and to focus instead on what's going on within myself that causes my reactions. Sometimes people touch our old wounds, deeply hidden fears, or stories we believe to be true about our self. And when this happens, we may have a very strong reaction without even realizing why.

So when I feel a strong reaction rising, I slow down and reflect on why those feelings are emerging.. I seek to understand why I'm feeling so triggered.

This gives me both the time and the wisdom to choose a more thoughtful and productive response.
​
If you would find value in learning simple techniques to explore your own emotional reactions, reach out and let's schedule a discovery session to see how I could help.