Seneca's whole book on anger is really about that gap—the moment between a spark and a fire. He knew anger feels like it just happens to us, but he also saw that we have a sliver of choice we usually skip past. You can't always stop the first flush of irritation. But you can refuse to feed it. The breath you take before you reply, the second you give yourself before you hit send—that small space is where your better self lives. Today, when something stings, try not to answer from the sting. Wait until you're steadier. The answer will be wiser.

Inspired by the old idea of response not reaction. Written by Ugo Charles.