React or Respond
The crazier the world gets, the easier it is to stop trying. Believe it or not, challenges are a constant in life - It’s what we do with them that determines our personal outcome.
When faced with a trauma or challenge, how do you respond? One of the common reactions is to go into Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn mode.
Choices change the trajectory of our lives. Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn often arise from a state of fear (reactive), where we allow things to happen to us instead of making a constructive decision (a victim’s choice).
Fear-Based Reactions: Fight (Defensive Protection), Flight (Avoidant Escape), Freeze (Silent Shutdown), Fawn (Appeasing Compliance)
A healthier alternative is to move into a state of compassion (response), where we decide how to move forward (a victor’s choice). This shift allows us to see, hear, and understand the best path forward - opening new possibilities.
Join us this November as we activate and respond to life’s challenges with compassion.
Compassionate Responses: Calm (Grounded Confidence), Present (Stable Connection), Aware (Open Mindfulness), Real (Authentic Expression)
WHEN Stories
Over the past month, I spoke on stage about some of the challenges I’ve faced and how I chose to move forward. It can be scary to try new things (just in time for Halloween) but it’s also how we continue to grow.
🎥 Join me on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM Central for the YouTube Premiere of my “WHEN Everything Changed” Story.
We can watch it together live – but if you can’t make it, it will be available afterwards using the same link.
Susan LePlae Miller | Living My Values Out Loud | WHEN Stories™
October Events
A glimpse into how we’ve supported health and values initiatives this month.
10/2/25: Women’s Health Advocates (WHA), Chicago, IL
10/5/25: Paint the Lake Pink Walk to support My Density Matters, Lake Zurich, IL
10/10/25: Storytelling at the Barrington White House, Barrington, IL
10/16/25: “Room to Bloom – Bring Your Vision to Life” Workshop (Online)
10/18/25: American Cancer Society Walk, Chicago, IL
10/23/25: UNeMed’s StartUp Showcase, Omaha, NE
10/28/25: Living My Values Out Loud - WHEN Stories Premiere (Online)
November is Compassion Month 💜
Free events, tools, and stories to help illuminate compassion around the world.
EVENTS
TOOLS
TEMPLATE
CLOSING
In my last newsletter When Everything Changed, I explored how pivotal moments shape our lives and careers. As we move through this next season of change, may we recognize and honor the value in us all.