As an older woman with high blood pressure, you'd think I'd know how important it is to stay calm. However, because I'm an older woman, I also have that wonderful thing called "Mental-Pause" happening. Anger just kind of comes with the affliction.
My job is very physically demanding. I am the department head, so I also have to deal with a lot of mental stress. It's my job to make sure everyone else gets their stuff done, has everything they need to do their jobs, and is doing their jobs correctly. At the end of the day, my nerves are shot.
This past week has been especially brutal. It seemed that no matter how hard I tried to keep things running smoothly, everything was falling apart. I actually broke down in tears today. I was angry, hurt, exhausted, and just tired of all the crap. I was broken.
Then a little voice in my head said something to me that I normally say to others. "Calm your storm".
No, it's not a verse from the Bible, but a quote from a movie. In the 2010 version of Clash of the Titans, Perseus is about to fight the Gorgon, Medusa. In preparation, the goddess (?) Io reminds Perseus that he must "ease" his storm. Calm his anger. Get his thoughts in order and make his plan.
Mark 4:39 says, "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down, and it was completely calm."
It's easy to get upset in a situation that isn't going our way. I'm probably one of the worst about this. Getting angry instantly isn't going to fix the situation. A cool head and a steady hand is the way to go. Speaking from experience here. My getting upset over the situation only gave me a headache and chest pains. Once I'd calmed down, I was able to tackle the problem, come up with a solution, and get through the rest of the day. It wasn't a permanent fix, but I was able to get through the day.
As you go through the rest of this week, remember to "Calm Your Storm" when you feel yourself getting upset over little things. Even with the bigger issues, keep your calm. Find that place within yourself that fights those negative feelings. Understand that getting upset isn't going to make things better, only worse.
Until next time,
Mom Graves!!!
