Toward a Less Anxious Presence (Part 5)

When we speak of being "hooked" we usually mean that something has hooked us and we've reacted in a manner that is not typical for us. We've reacted rather than responded. There is a major difference between reacting and responding. Everyone has triggers that hook us. Triggers" are topics, persons, situations, etc. that hook us and cause us to react in a manner of which we're not pleased. We know we've been hooked when we ask, "Why did I say that?" or "Wow, I came on strong." Strong emotions are also a symptom that we've been hooked. What things, situations, persons, issues, etc. are our triggers? Write them down and keep a record. Knowing what our triggers are is being forewarned. By being forewarned, triggers loose some of their power and we are better able to respond rather than react. The fear of being hooked and reacting is a frequent cause anxiety.