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 a crisis, it’s easy to let our emotions get the better of us. The desire to strike out at whatever—or whoever—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, ranting because of something that has been said or done, I find it far less effective than someone rationally putting forth their case. Anger may get our attention, but it doesn’t necessarily persuade us.
The same is true in a debate. As soon as you lose your temper, it’s over. Ironically, the most negative effect is probably on you, not your opponent. They may go happily on with their day while you are still replaying the conversation hours later. I know. I’ve done it.
There is also a difference between keeping calm and keeping quiet. Some things need to be said. There are times when we should speak up, defend ourselves, challenge something we believe is wrong, or simply say, “No, I don’t agree.” Staying calm doesn’t mean becoming passive. In fact, a calm voice can sometimes carry far more weight than an angry one.
Perhaps caring also means deciding where to put our energy. Through the years I’ve learned from experience that the cost simply isn’t worth it. That’s not to say I can always resist the urge to detonate . I can’t. But it happens less often as I get older. Maybe age gives us a little perspective—or perhaps we finally realize how exhausting it is to be angry.
I’m learning that I don’t have to respond to everything. I don’t have to win every argument, correct every wrong opinion, or have the last word. Sometimes I can walk away. Sometimes I can wait until tomorrow. And sometimes, after thinking about it, I discover that what seemed so important in the heat of the moment really wasn’t.
Breathe, keep calm, and live to fight another day.
Peace be with you.
If you’re new here, welcome. I write about aging with grace, finding beauty in everyday life, and the quiet moments that remind us what matters most. I’m so glad you’ve stopped by.
12 responses to “Choosing My Battles”
“Let’s agree to disagree”, is one of my favorite responses instead of fighting. You are right….anger takes far more energy than it’s worth. Being a solution oriented person, I have no interest in a rant on social media. Maybe it helps them get it out of their system, but it also revs up the comments. Response over reaction and as you’re well aware, sometimes there’s no words needed. 💖
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I agree. “Let’s agree to disagree” can save a lot of unnecessary energy. I’ve learned that not every disagreement needs a comeback I’d much rather look for a solution and move on. And yes, sometimes the wisest response is no response at all. ❤️
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💖
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“Breathe, keep calm, and live to fight another day.” Great advice. I’m finding more and more that it’s better to return to this advice. It’s not sensationalistic. It’s not sexy. But damn if it’s not spot on!
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Exactly! Not every irritation deserves our energy or our response. I’m finding there’s a certain freedom in knowing when to speak up—and when to simply breathe and let it go. Perhaps that’s one of the gifts of experience. ⭐️🤓
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As always, you speak the truth, with calmness, rationality, wisdom and experience.
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Thank you. I think experience has a way of teaching us to look at things with a little more perspective—and perhaps a bit more grace. ❤️
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Great post! Yes anger takes a lot of energy, and often th3person angry at us or a situation expend a lot of energy that does not feel good (in any sense) and xhausts them. I ama finding lately my irritations or small anger is from an old old boundary that no longer serves.
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Thank you! I like your observation about anger sometimes coming from an old boundary that no longer serves us. It’s interesting how we can continue reacting from patterns we created long ago.
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I learned to pick my battles once my daughters became teenagers and in the other side they learned to start worry when I m calm and control that’s far from quiet or passive….. it’s never the loudest to fear😉the difference between calm and quiet la all of a sudden I was surrounded by teenagers hormones in the house😂 in the other side, thanks to my
Oldest one
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I learned to pick my battles when my daughters became teenagers and they, on the other end, learned to start worry when I’m
calm and controlled😂. It’s never the loudest the ones to fear 😉
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So true! Raising teenagers certainly teaches you to pick your battles. ❤️
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