no response is a response
We often hear no response is a response, and it most definitely is. It not only sends a message of indifference to the other party, but it’s also a response to self. Your self-respect dictates you will not reply. Holding yourself in high regard, you are unwilling to take an action that may undermine the progress you’ve made in your healing journey.
Maintaining internal emotional boundaries, ones set within yourself which regulate your behavior, you reaffirm your allegiance to high frequency, loving energy, and to peace.
Not responding is a form of self-care, as preserving your commitment to the high road leaves you with a clear conscience. If the other party continues to act inappropriately, the last word their nasty remark, that is what’s left suspended in the air, like a particle of ash after an eruption. Allowing someone to make the last offensive comment brings another reward—It demonstrates your commitment to no longer toy with self-sabotage and self-inflicted guilt. Letting someone end the conversation maliciously does hurt, but it doesn’t hurt as much as when we cast guilt upon ourselves.
When you check your emotional baggage at the door (the baggage that forces you to act in ways you aren’t proud of) but the other party hasn’t, they are the one left carrying the tote of guilt. They need to live with that fact, you don’t.
This is not a game of Hot Potato, and we try not to take pleasure in condemning the other party. Instead, we remind ourselves that their actions are not our responsibility, and we cannot control them. Focusing on your own humble behavior is the priority, for the only one you can control is you. Acts drenched in humble self-control result in major self-worth. Self-worth leads to emotional security, and emotional security leads to self-trust.
Trusting yourself to show up calmly in contentious conversations and situations, you are free to occupy any space you wish.
Fear of your own poor behavior in the midst of conflict evaporates and you become sturdy, secure, and safe to speak kindly, compassionately, and with understanding, if you wish to. (The three missing links in most difficult conversations these days.) This will eliminate regret and empower you to speak assertively and intelligently.
Respond, or don’t. No one can force you to speak or stay quiet. Either way, feel out the situation, stand in your power, and most importantly, honor your dignity whether you choose to speak or not.
