Episode 34: Reacting vs. Relating

Letter to the Listener Hey mama, Have you ever walked away from a conversation wondering, How did we even get there? Maybe something small was said, you reacted, they reacted to your reaction, and suddenly the conversation became much bigger than whatever started it. So much can be happening underneath those moments. What actually happened, and what story did your brain immediately tell you about it? Did something touch a tender place or “raw spot” that made your reaction feel bigger than the moment itself? Are you and someone you love getting caught in the same familiar pattern over and over again? And what might change if, instead of being certain you know what the other person meant, you became curious enough to ask, What else could be true? In this episode, we’re talking about the difference between reacting and relating, and how creating even a little space between what happens and what we do next can change the way we show up in our relationships. We’ll talk about separating facts from the stories we tell ourselves, recognizing emotional triggers and raw spots, noticing the relationship loops we can get caught in, and coming back to the power of the pause when we feel ourselves getting activated. You won’t catch your reaction every time. None of us will. But the more familiar you become with your own stories, triggers, and patterns, the sooner you can begin to notice what’s happening and choose how you want to respond. This episode is part of the I’ve Got You Mama podcast - a show for moms and women who want to care for their whole self, live with intention, and find joy without pressure or burnout. Resources Mentioned Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson, including her work around emotional “raw spots” and the negative interaction cycles we can get caught in with the people closest to us. Episode 5 of the I’ve Got You Mama podcast: The Power of the Pause Connect + What’s Next If this episode resonated, I’d love for you to: subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes share this conversation with a friend who might need this message right now Next week on the podcast, we’ll be talking about the power of repair - what we can do when there’s been hurt, misunderstanding, or disconnection in our relationships and how we find our way back. Whenever you’re ready, press play. I’m really glad you’re here. And I’ve got you, mama.