A Dash Of Wisdom

“Hey old guy, “you are driving too slowly,” even though I was driving 5 miles over the speed limit.

I have learned that trying to work with disrespectful behavior goes nowhere, often going south.

However, some occasions present opportunities to respond rather to react to model wisdom while driving. I have not always been a patient driver.

Disrespect seems to be rampant these days.

Epictetus said, “Happiness begins by knowing what one can and cannot control.” I cannot control the other person — not knowing what is going on inside the other person. I can work on my behavior from reaction to response.

The next time someone insults us, let’s pause to reflect. How do we exercise composure and wisdom? What is the wise response?

This shift to response rather than reaction changes the focus to our controllable response. Self-control enables us to respond with inner strength rather than raw reactivity. Lashing out continues to circle of disrespect and further a culture of disrespect!