What in the world is creating these defensive emotions and reactions in me?
January 30, 2020
What in the world is creating these defensive emotions and reactions in me?
Our startle reflex (also called reptilian brain) is working overtime. There is so much negative news that seeps into our lives, that we are set up to react more defensively then we might like. Yes, we are big boys and girls, but then when we overreact we consider it weakness. Maybe our reactions are in direct proportion to the amount of sleep we are getting; the food we are eating; how much we are drinking; who we decide we should be in debate with and how stupid we consider the once smart people in our lives.
Seeing a pattern? Feeling a pattern? Not everyone can be wrong all the time. You do not get to judge, in a wholesale way, how people are acting or how you think they are responding and acting with you. Much of our observation of ourselves and others is based on how we are in this moment. Happy. Sad. Hungry. Lost. Mad. Unsure. That is a big one. None of us likes the feeling of being unsure. Especially if we have been so confident about our lives in the past.
Be kind to you. Be kind to them. Breathe. If you think you are playing mind games with yourself and you are one of the people we can count on, think about how messy other people’s thinking is right now. Again, just be kind. Ask if you are unsure. Negative judgement can be felt, whether you say anything or not.
How you doing? How is your team doing? May we help?
Natalie R. Manor
Natalie R. Manor is a consultant, executive business coach, speaker, 5 time author and extraordinary facilitator. Her consulting firm, Natalie Manor & Associates NMA, has attracted global success seeking clients and organizations for 30+ years.
