Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.

Mike Tyson

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

I have multiple scars on my chin from being punched in the mouth while playing water polo. I also have a scar above my right eye from being punched deliberately while playing water polo. I still clearly remember the blood rushing over my eye and not comprehending what was happening in the moment.

Physically or metaphorically, I sure have been punched in the mouth a few times. In basically all cases I couldn’t comprehend what was happening in the moment. I didn’t believe my father was dead until I saw him lying peacefully in the coffin. At the same time, some things we can comprehend what is happening, but our feelings take a long time to manifest. These ones are usually the worst as we have no idea how to deal with them, and they can feel like a real punch in the mouth when they hit you.

No matter how many times you get punched in the mouth, how you react is still up to you. The first thing you should do is take a step back and reassess the situation. Do you understand what happened? Do you understand why it happened? Do you need more time to understand it?

If you’re still taking the time to come to terms with things, any reaction would be hasty, so just give it time to settle. Make sure you have a level head when you do react, if you do react at all.

Getting punched in the mouth sucks. Overreaction only makes it worse. You have a choice in how you react, make it a wise one.