REMAINING SELF AWARE UNDER PROVOCATION
True strength lies in restraint…
We all get provoked and have at some point provoked others as well. Controlling our emotions in the heat of the moment is an attribute that few possess.
Unchecked anger and a sense of entitlement and superiority only serve to escalate conflict and leave lasting memories of regrets when the heat dies down. Remember that, ‘’a soft tongue can break a bone’’ and ‘’harsh words stir up anger’’. A moment of emotional indiscretion can lead to a lifetime of regrets, a damaged reputation, loss of relationships or worse. True strength lies in restraint, humility, and understanding.
If you are in a position of leadership, power or authority, do not allow the fleeting status or other advantages to cloud your judgement, believing it grants you the right to treat others as you please. They are transient. When impunity, arrogance and entitlement take over, they can blind one to the impact of one’s actions, often leading to severe and irreversible consequences. Power is a responsibility not a licence for impunity.
People act with impunity because they lack self awareness. When individuals are not in tune with their emotions, they can let pride or ego dictate their thoughts and their behaviours.
Self awareness is vital to our human interactions because it allows us to step back, assess our actions, and understand how we’re impacting those around us. Without it, many fail to recognise the line between authority and abuse, or between confidence and arrogance.
True greatness is marked not by the titles we hold, but by the kindness we show, treating everyone with dignity. Respecting others, regardless of status, is not only wise; it is essential to building a society rooted in empathy, accountability, and genuine human connection. We must remember that power is fleeting, but integrity and respect endure, and they are what truly make a person worthy of admiration.
REMAINING SELF AWARE UNDER PROVOCATION
Be self aware. Learn to master your emotions. It is said that whoever can get you angry can control you.
Love your neighbour as yourself.
Deliberately identify, learn, avoid or master your emotional triggers. It could be a rude comment or behaviour etc.
Be humble and avoid pride - It’s not about you.
Walk away from a tense environment if you can.
Take deep breaths and countdown from 10.
Pray about it and remain calm and reasonable.
Remember that escalation (Verbal or Physical), can lead to outcomes that you can never foresee.
Your reaction to an event usually dictates the outcome.
Change your viewpoint - a lot of issues are caused by simple misunderstandings and do not appear so serious with the passage of time.
Talk to a counsellor about your emotions and their triggers.
#treasureyourmentalhealth
If things are getting out of hand, please call us on +234 814 831 8965 or send us an Email at: info@copeandlive.foundation