Aging with Grace

Keep Calm and Carry On

Motivational poster by the British government 1939

Keep calm and carry on, is often easier said than done. Whether it’s a verbal confrontation, a personal dilemma or a reaction to the crisis we face in our country, it’s easy to let our emotions get the better of us. The desire to strike out at whatever is threatening us can be overwhelming. 

Facebook posts are one illustration of this. When I read a post from someone whose hair is on fire and rants because of something that has been said or done, it’s less affective than someone rationally putting forth their case. In a debate, as soon as you lose your temper it’s over. Not only have you lost the argument, you’ve hurt yourself by creating stress in your life. Ironically, the most negative effect is, probably, on you not your opponent.

Stress is not good for us. Through the years I’ve learned from experience, the cost isn’t worth it. That’s not to say, I can always resist the urge to explode. It happens less as I become older. I try to remember to breathe, keep calm, and live to fight another day.