Have you ever let frustration or anger dictate your decisions—only to end up feeling worse? I have, and it reminds me there’s room for growth in how I respond.
There was a time when retreating felt like safety—when reaction overshadowed reflection.
After an emotional argument, I felt a familiar urge to withdraw. I tend to isolate myself when I’m upset—even when what I need most is connection. If I’m feeling angry, low, or just sorry for myself, I shut people out. Ironically, it’s in those moments that being around people might help the most.
My husband and I had been invited to a friend’s cookout. In the past, my younger self—led by impulse or spite—would have stayed home festering. But this time, I practiced the pause, reflected, and prayed.
I asked God to help soften my heart. In that moment, I chose to rationalize over emotionalize—reason over reaction.
I realized that staying home would only deepen my resentment. I’d be missing out—not just on the gathering, but on the chance to reset and reconnect. By choosing reason over reaction, I experienced a subtle yet meaningful shift.
The laughter, hospitality, and good company I experienced at the cookout softened my mood. I felt lighter and my anger lifted.
Emotional maturity isn’t about feeling less. For me, it’s about recognizing the urge to retreat and responding differently.
That day, I didn’t just show up to a cookout. I showed up for growth.
