In life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. The second arrow is optional. ~ Buddha
Things will happen in our lives that can hurt, anger or generally cause pain to us in some way. This is sometimes unavoidable and is something that we must deal with in one way or another.
However, what causes us way more suffering, and is often the root of what brings so many people in for therapy, are the layers of how we deal with this situation.
This reaction is usually filled with various judgments, blame, negative self-talk and “stories“ that we tell ourselves to make sense of and very often unconsciously use to protect ourselves.
These reactions are things we can all fall into, especially in times of strong emotions. But we don’t need to live there. There are many ways to learn to identify, process and move past these reactions.
With a willingness to look more deeply at ourselves, some courage and often a helping hand to help guide the way, we can find new ways to work with the “arrows” of life.