SEPARATE YOUR INITIAL RESPONSE FROM YOUR SECONDARY RESPONSE

We all have a primitive animal brain, located at the back of the head, which contains violent, immoral and irrational responses to events the kind any one or two year old experiences when frustrated, hungry or over tired. Thankfully, we also have a neo cortex, located behind our forehead, which is responsible for controlling these urges. For example, you may sometimes experience the urge to attack because your spouse has hurt your feelings or was not available when you were in distress. Notice when you do not follow these initial responses. Be proud of these victories. Self-control is the basis of self-respect. You'll have endless opportunities to practice! One of the biggest acts of self-control is to be silent when you cannot think of a respectful way to talk about your feelings.