“Between whatever happens to me and my response to it is a space. In that space is my freedom and power to choose my response. And in my response lies my growth and happiness.”-Stephen Covey
Good morning! Kyrsti wrote this quote on an index card after reading The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and she reads it every day. She writes: It has had a big impact on my life. I knew that if I could cultivate the habit of being patient within this “space” after an event or words spoken to me, I would be able to get to a response that would promote less stress and more happiness.
This concept is one that we need to think about on a daily basis. While we can’t control everything that goes on around us (nor is it worth our energy to try!) we can control how we react in that “space.” And how we react will directly impact our day, our week, our month-our life.
When we choose anger, gossip, negativity, or getting defensive, we build walls in our lives that keep out the “bad”-but those same walls also keep out the good and the wonder of life.
Your Turn: Today, notice the “space” where you have the choice to respond. Think about how your choice will influence your life. Respond in a way that promotes understanding, caring and personal peace. You’ll feel much better about the situation at hand-and your life will reflect it.
Today’s Affirmation: I choose to respond to external events in a caring, understanding and peaceful way.
You can also notice your breathing – and rest in the space between your breaths – try it – after taking a breath in and out – before you take the next breath in – rest in the space before that next breath. I learned that from a book on Buddhism by Pema Chödrön.
I love getting your email every day. It is like a meditation to think about. I am always forwarding it to my adult children. Thank you.
I Love this quote. I have used it….in a situtation that was very unpleasant….I could feel the space…and formed my response….in a more healthy fashion…because…I hestitated…and thought about my response.