Today I attended a training seminar.
And the trainer taught me something very simple that stayed with me.
Most of the conflicts in our professional and personal lives don’t happen because of the situation itself.
They happen because of our reaction.
And the difference between a reaction and a response is just one thing.
A pause.
When someone says something sharp, we react.
When something goes wrong at work, we react.
When expectations are not met at home, we react.
Reaction is instant.
It is emotional.
It is fast.
But if we pause — even for a few seconds — something changes.
That pause creates space.
Space to think.
Space to breathe.
Space to choose words carefully.
Space to remember that not every moment needs to be won.
In that space, reaction slowly turns into response.
And sometimes, that small shift is enough to save a relationship with a boss.
Or with someone we love.
It surprised me how something so small could make such a big difference.
Just a pause.
Maybe that’s all we need more often — not bigger plans, not stronger arguments, not louder voices.
Just a pause.
And perhaps
After that pause
A quiet cup of tea!