Go-To

 What is a “character defect,” a shortcoming in our way of life?  It is what someone called their “go-to behavior.”  They encounter someone, experience some situation, and have an immediate behavioral reaction.  They judge, condemn, put-down, get angry, and maybe swear a lot.  It is the immediate reaction.  That is why it is called the go-to behavior.  What to do?  Well, start small.  Give the person or situation you just judged something it in fact may not deserve.  Give compassion, forgiveness, and maybe even acceptance, though that might be a stretch early on.  What you are doing is showing “mercy.”  Isn’t that what you want from your God or Higher Power?  Mercy is not deserved or earned.  Maybe a little mercy to yourself.  Ask for help.  Give someone else a chance to show mercy to you.