
Whenever we are in crisis we will all revert back to our most primitive coping mechanisms. It’s important to know what these are and how they impact upon us and those around us because this will continue to be true throughout your lifetime. I believe that people can change and that new habits can be formed. I wouldn’t be in this business if I didn’t believe that. So the important thing is to notice how you behave when you are grounded and how you behave when you are triggered. As we mature we become more aware of how our coping impacts upon others. With maturity also comes the ability to take responsibility for our shortcomings and ‘knee jerk’ responses. If you practice mindfulness then you will become less reactive and more choiceful about how you ‘respond’ rather than react. It’s a discipline but one that is well worth cultivating. And it will continue to need to be cultivated because life will continue to throw it’s curve balls!!