Between stimulus and response, there is space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom. ~ Victor Frankl
This is a reminder about the privilege and responsibility of choosing how I will respond in any given situation. I always have a choice: When I hear something…I can choose how I will respond. When I see something…I can choose how I will respond. When something happens…I can choose how I will respond.
My response to the situations of life will determine how I live my life. The ability and the responsibility are mine. Not only do I have the freedom to choose my response, but there is also a distinct power that is activated as I choose how to respond. There is power in choosing to be kind when others are not. There is power in taking action to correct a mistake. There is power in remaining calm in the midst of difficult circumstances…and the list goes on and on. My choices matter.
Additionally, choosing how I will respond provides the opportunity for growth. As I learn to use the “space” to choose, I begin to see the consequences of my response. I can grow by learning to respond with thought and wisdom.
The more I grow, the more freedom I can enjoy: Freedom from regret; freedom from harsh actions; freedom to make more productive choices.
It is good to know that there is always that “space” provided for choice…the question is: How will I use it?
