They say that you can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react.
Sometimes, though, I sincerely and legitimately cannot control how I react. When I’m startled, overwhelmed, or in pain, my body does things I don’t want it to.
Often, though not always, I have more control over what happens to me than how I react to it.
I can choose to avoid some stressful situations. I can choose to exit others. These may sound like reactions, but I see them as proactive, preventative actions.
I have less control when I’m reactive. I have more control when I’m proactive.