Before you reply

Before you reply. A hard message has just come in, and you want to answer it right now. Give it one minute first.

Put the phone down, or take your hands off the keyboard.

One long breath out.

Notice what the message did in your body. Heat in the face, or a tight chest. Just notice.

Ask yourself one question. What do I want to be true an hour from now?

One more long breath out.

Now reply, or wait. Both are allowed.