React .Vs. Respond

Suddenly, a cockroach flew from somewhere and sat on a lady. I

wondered if this was the cockroach’s response to all the glory that

was spoken about it! She started screaming out of fear. With panic

stricken face and trembling voice, she started jumping, with both her

hands desperately trying to get rid of the cockroach. Her reaction was

contagious, as everyone in her group got cranky to what was happening.

The lady finally managed to push the cockroach to another lady in the

group. Now, it was the turn of the other lady in the group to continue

the drama. The waiter rushed forward to their rescue. In the relay of

throwing, the cockroach next fell upon the waiter. The waiter stood

firm, composed himself and observed the behaviour of the cockroach on

his shirt. When he was confident enough, he grabbed and threw it out

with his fingers.

Sipping my coffee and watching the amusement, the antenna of my mind

picked up a few thoughts and started wondering, was the cockroach

responsible for their histrionic behaviour? If so, then why was the

waiter not disturbed? He handled it near to perfection, without any

chaos. It is not the cockroach, but the inability of the ladies to

handle the disturbance caused by the cockroach that disturbed the

ladies.

I realized even in my case then , it is not the shouting of my father

or my boss that disturbs me, but it’s my inability to handle the

disturbances caused by their shouting that disturbs me. It’s not the

traffic jams on the road that disturbs me, but my inability to handle

the disturbance caused by the traffic jam that disturbs me. More than

the problem, it’s my reaction to the problem that hurts me.

The Take-Away

The women reacted, whereas the waiter responded. We should not react

in life, we should always respond.

Reactions are always instinctive whereas responses are always intellectual.