I Was So Wrong: What Pausing Taught Me About Responding Instead of Reacting

When I don’t pause, I react. 

When I pause, I respond.

I Was So Wrong

There are moments when confidence feels like strength — until it turns into embarrassment.

In this piece, I reflect on the moments where reacting quickly created unnecessary problems, and how learning to pause changed how I respond in tense situations.

The Problem with Certainty

When we feel certain, we often stop questioning our assumptions. That certainty can push us to act before all the information is available.

The Power of the Pause

Pausing allows emotions to settle, facts to surface, and better decisions to form.

What Pausing Gives Us

• Time to calm down

• Space to gather information

• The ability to respond intentionally

• Protection for relationships

• Preservation of peace

A Simple Reminder

Remembering that you may be wrong isn’t weakness — it’s clarity.

Pausing doesn’t slow progress.

It prevents unnecessary damage.