When life gets tough, and I find myself facing big decisions or heavy emotions, I try to remind myself not to rush into a reaction. There’s a power in simply sitting with those feelings for a bit. I’ve noticed that the way I feel about certain issues can change dramatically over time. What feels overwhelming in the moment might look entirely different just a few hours later, and even more so by the next morning or a week down the line.
We live in a world that often encourages quick reactions, and I’ve learned the hard way that this can lead to regrettable moments—words spoken in anger or decisions made in haste. One piece of advice often tossed around in marriage is, “Don’t go to bed mad.” While I can see the sentiment behind it, I beg to differ. There are times when it’s perfectly okay to step back.
Sometimes, I’m very clear on how I feel, but other times, I’m just not. When tough situations arise, they don’t always warrant immediate discussion or a reaction right away. I’ve found that if I give myself even 24 hours to digest whatever information I’m grappling with, I approach solutions and conversations with a much more open mind. I’m able to engage with others’ opinions without being clouded by raw emotions, focusing instead on the facts.
I often wonder if this tendency to internalize my feelings comes from my introverted nature. I like to sort through my emotions, decide what I want to say, and figure out how I want to handle things before moving forward. When I do react impulsively, I almost always end up feeling terrible and filled with regret. It’s like that feeling you get the day after you’ve embarrassed yourself at a party, completely out of control.
Taking the time to sit with my feelings allows me to navigate through life’s challenges with a clearer head. It’s a lesson in patience that I continue to learn, reminding me that sometimes, the best response is simply to pause and reflect.
“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” – Mark Black
