Feeling is not consenting

Sometimes a burst of anger, a pang of envy, or a desire you did not look for assails you. They appear on their own, without permission. That does not make you a bad person: they are reactions, not decisions. What truly reveals who you are is what you do with them. You can be silent instead of speaking the hurtful phrase, or rejoice for the other instead of feeding envy. Between what you feel and what you do is a space, and there lies your freedom. So it is not worth beating yourself up over every uncomfortable emotion. It is better to learn to govern it: recognize it, do not grant it right of way, and choose well. Feeling is human; consenting is up to you.