Thought Triggers Essay

I was talking to a friend who was complaining about his lack of accomplishments in his life, and he began to implicate me in his self-pity, implying that I was in just as bad of shape as myself. It triggered the thought of criticism. While I did not mention anything to my friend, I was very critical of him as a person, and especially as a friend. The thought triggered feelings of anger, and low self-worth. This reaction fits into the judgment/criticism/blaming response, which is an ineffective way to cope with stress.
Also, I was waiting in a very long line at the grocery store -- a situation which normally triggers impatience and anxiety in myself. However, on this occasion, forearmed with better coping strategies, I began to observe everyone around me. I made eye contact with a few customers, and smiled at them, noticing that they may have also felt impatient, bored, anxious, or in a hurry. This action of smiling relieved tension, and made the wait time seem to go faster, and made it more enjoyable. This response fit into both the observation and discovery category -- effective ways to cope with stressful events. I observed what was going on around me, and made the choice to see what would happen if I smiled art strangers who may have felt similar to myself.
Lastly, when I was talking to the aforementioned friend on a different occasion, he was complaining about life, and things that are out of his control. I simply acknowledged his complaints, but thought to myself: "I am so grateful that I live where I do, and love living the life I live. This response fits into the gratitude response. I was grateful that I was appreciating my life, and what I have worked so hard to become.