Life experiences have a way of making you learn and unlearn many things especially for your survival.
Growing up, I was always the hot tempered boy who can't control his anger and who would always reply violence with violence, there was never a room for peace provided I was right.
But as you grow up, life teaches you that the world is not always one that runs on violence, sometimes, you let things slide even when you know you are right.... It doesn't make you weak nor does it take anything from you but it might save you from unnecessary troubles and moreover, reacting immediately to issues isn't always a sign of strength.
There was once an incident that happened where I let my anger got the better part of me, I got into a fight and injured someone very badly. The parents visited our home that night and in the solace of the beatings I've gotten from my parents because of the expenses they made to support the treatment of the injured guy, I was unable to answer a question I asked myself, why did I get into that fight? What did I achieve?
I could not find the answers to any of these questions and that was when I decided to develop a coping mechanism and a habit....
Keeping Quiet And Smiling In The Face Of Provoking Situations
It's been very helpful to me ever since I mastered this habit. I would rather stay mute and laugh over any situation no matter how bad it is and in worst case scenarios, I would gently walk out of the scene.
It's not that I don't want to reply atimes but just because that I know that most times actions come from repeated speaking and trying to make the other person understand that they annoyed you and guess what? When it eventually leads to violence, sometimes, you might end up regretting.
This realization gradually shaped my life's approach to many things. Silence became a way of telling myself, “Not everything is worth your reaction."
It wasn't easy at all and I failed many times too but today, I'm happy this habit has become a part of me saving me from regret, preserved my peace, and taught me that true power often lies in the silence we choose and not reacting out of impulse that ends up magnifying the whole situation.
This is my response to Indiaunited Prompt here
Thanks for reading and have a nice day ahead 👍