Do you react or respond?

You might be thinking?

“What’s the difference? And why does it even matter?”

It’s subtle right? And yet there’s a life-changing shift between the 2, let me explain..

A reaction happens without thought; it’s an instinctive, emotional action.

A response is a thoughtful and intentional action.

Anyone who’s ever said “I wish I hadn’t…” or “I wish I didn’t…” probably reacted in the situation.?

And yet it so often feels like we don’t have a choice. The reaction happens so fast that it feels outside our control.?

And we have experiences like “I snap at the kids even though I’m stressed about work” and “I just want to be the nice person I know I am really”

Sound familiar?

I used to experience my reactions. I didn’t own the reactions, I didn’t choose my reactions; I just experienced them. Then I’d spend time analysing what happened and explain it away by blaming others or myself “they made me”...

So how do we change this?

How do we create a moment in time where we get to choose?

I hear you! Real life doesn’t have a pause button where we get to reflect and respond!?

Or does it?

I’ve found ways to achieve just that. I call it “building time into moments”. What I mean is that in those moments where I used to react I now have a split second where I’m aware that I have a choice and I can consciously choose a response.

?Magic right?!? I’m sure you want to know how!

Mindfulness. But I also like to call this awareness.?

• You can increase your awareness of how you feel in your body?
• You can increase your awareness of what stress looks and feels like for you as an individual.

I’ve heard so many people say “I tried meditation once and it didn’t work” or words to that effect.?

I think we need to demystify what mindfulness is. It’s been over-complicated. It’s actually simple and accessible and there are so many ways to practise it.?

If you want to consciously choose your responses, if you want to choose how you show up in your life, if you want to be the best version of yourself then raising your awareness is the way forward.

I teach a variety of methods to practise mindfulness. The shortest is less than a minute long. I share a range of methods because we are all unique and we each have our preferences. I am passionate about sharing these techniques.?

If you want to learn how to respond rather than react so you can show up as the best version of yourself then book a call with me and let’s start that conversation:

https://hannahholden.co.uk/callbooking

I’ve called the call a 30 min complementary stress consultation: We’ll discuss what’s going on for you and:

? I’ll give you guidance on your most impactful next steps

? I’ll recommend free and paid resources so you’ll have something actionable that meets you where you are

? And if I can’t help you, I’ll refer you to someone who can.

I can’t wait to support you with your next steps

Hannah x

PS: I’ve also updated my Stress Symptoms checklist so you can raise your awareness of how you experience stress and spot it coming. Download the updated checklist here:

https://hannahholden.co.uk/stress_symptoms

#stressmanagement #PersonalDevelopment #Mindfulness #SelfAwareness