Anger slays: discovering a balm for calm

In a recent USA Today article, Ken Fisher offers 11 ways to protect your money and sanity as you age. His final tip is worth adopting regardless of age, income, social status, vocation or education level: “Remember that anger slays.” He references a psychologist buddy of his who taught him to live his actions as if he’d live forever and his emotions as if he knew he’d be dead in 30 days. This brought a huge peace of mind to Fisher and every time he’d anger, he’d ask himself if he’d waste time over “this” if he knew he had only 30 days to live. He never did. Of course, my husband told me about this article after I had become disproportionately angry over something so small in the larger scheme of things (isn’t that usually the case?). Anger does slay: relationships, progress, health, peace of mind. Ask yourself: will whatever it is matter if my days are numbered? Because they are.

What is your balm for calm?

Photo courtesy of Ben Schonewille at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Trusting the destination

During a recent visit with a close family member, she thanked me for my transparency after I’d shared a personal battle with which I wrestle. Later that day, that same transparency fell under attack when someone accused me of acting and speaking devoid of sincerity. Perhaps many of us hide behind walls in order to protect our vulnerability, but find ourselves able to shed the self-imposed masks in the presence of those who inspire, embolden and love us without condition into our true selves—ickies and all. So when our transparent selves are rejected, it’s not unusual to feel battered and bruised. However, the next morning, my puffy eyes the sole evidence of a confused and depleted heart, I spent my quiet time randomly choosing devotions that provided a comforting balm. And one after the other reminded me to trust the destination no matter what my journey looks like today. While I continue to be true to self.

How easy is it for you to trust the destination?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.