React Less, Respond More

We’ve all been there—a stressful conversation, a frustrating email, an unexpected challenge. In those moments, we have a choice: react or respond.

At his funeral, my husband’s grandad was described as imperturbable—calm, steady, incapable of being rattled. That single word left a lasting impression on me—so much so that I printed it on cards, shared them with others, and even carry a stack in my purse.

Why? Because imperturbability is emotional intelligence in action. It’s the ability to stay steady when life gets chaotic. It’s the strength to pause before reacting, to choose wisdom over impulse, and to bring calm into stressful situations.

The next time you’re in a tough moment, ask yourself: Am I reacting or responding?

That small shift makes all the difference.