You may have noticed this sticky note on my monitor over the years. I kept it there because this is harder than it sounds. It still is.

I’ve learned that reacting – especially in frustration – hands over control. It shifts your focus, your energy, even your direction. And often, that’s exactly the point.

Choosing not to react is not weakness. It’s restraint. It’s clarity. It’s staying aligned with who you are instead of being pulled off course by someone else.

Use this however you want. Just know it mattered enough to me to keep it in front of me, every day.

So here’s my request:

Don’t let other people decide your peace for you.

– Mom