Why did you do the thing you just did? Was it because you wanted to, or because something compelled you? Sometimes, we just react. That’s life. We rationalize these actions after the fact: “I needed to,” “I had no choice,” or even “I wanted to”. So much of what we do is a response to stimuli, big and small. And these reactions ultimately shape our lives.

Take social media for example. Every time we open it - seeking connection, news, or maybe just a laugh - each post is a trigger. Some things make us smile, others frustrate us, and some leave us in a fog of confusion or sadness. The algorithm pitches content our way: fastballs, curveballs, and the occasional lob over the plate. And we react. Even when we don’t want to swing. Even when we’re unsure why we’re at bat in the first place. We’re compelled to respond. These micro-reactions eventually accumulate, dictating our moods and altering the trajectory of our days without us even realizing it.

And it’s not just social media. We react to everything: our friends, our family, our work. Sometimes, these reactions feel wonderful, like hitting a perfect pitch. The joy of good news, a heartfelt conversation, or an act of unexpected kindness. Other times, the pitches are impossible. They strike us where we’re vulnerable, leaving us reeling. Some moments knock us off entirely, forcing us to regroup before stepping back up to the plate.

In this analogy, life is a baseball game. But, what if we chose to limit the number of pitches we face? Reacting is exhausting. It’s not inherently bad - reactions can be fun, stimulating, even fulfilling - but living reactively leaves little room for action. When we spend all our energy responding, we miss the chance to create, to take control, to set the tone of our lives. Instead of letting external forces dictate it. Reaction can be addictive, like a drug, drawing us in and keeping us hooked. Too much leaves us tired, scattered, and unfulfilled.

Every day, we step up to bat. To live meaningfully, it’s not enough to swing at every pitch. Sometimes we need to wait, observe, and choose the right moment. This doesn’t mean avoiding the hard pitches, they’re unavoidable. Even the ones that hit us still move us to first base. What matters is learning how to approach the game with intention: calm, focus, and action.

Don’t let the world force your hand. Step up to the plate on your terms. See the pitcher, the ball, and the field for what they are, and decide when to swing. React less, act more, and, above all, move forward deliberately. You’re up.