Calm: Be calm and composed in all situations.

*  Calmness is a sign of strength

To be calm in life is a real challenge. Our days are filled with stresses and strains, with haste and deadlines, with heavy traffic on the way to work and with too many things to do.

We may start the day positively with enthusiasm and eagerness to accomplish something specific that day. The day, however, may turn out totally different. Arriving at the office there may be an urgent matter waiting that needs immediate attention. The phone may be ringing incessantly during the day. Staff and unexpected visitors may be coming continuously to the office. The computer may be slow or down. That evening we feel totally exhausted, with a feeling of nothing accomplished.

A certain amount of stress is healthy and actually necessary for our wellbeing. On a day like this, however, the positive stress has changed into negative distress and the destruction of calmness. When calmness disappears we become distracted, frustrated and ineffective.

When we are calm we do not feel hurried and are more focused. Every task and every matter receives our full attention. We see more detail and we listen more carefully. We think more clearly and contemplate the implications of our decisions. We tackle every situation with circumspection. Interruptions become challenges and opportunities to serve. Our demeanour becomes more courteous and friendly. Time becomes unimportant and seems to expand. We become more positive and more effective. After a day of calmness we feel fulfilled and experience a sense of happiness.

What can we do to be calm or to remain calm in strenuous situations? We can:

·              infuse a feeling of calmness in our being;

·              expect the unexpected;

·              handle every task as if it is the only thing to do for the rest of the day;

·              avoid trying to be perfect and just do our best;

·              think about the bigger purpose of what we are doing;

·              see our work as a service;

·              breath deeper;

·              let our shoulders down;

·              relax our jaws;

·              smile often and

·              be grateful for the opportunity to be able to work.

To be calm is indeed a sign of strength.

Copies of The Positive Dictionary in hard cover and in ebook form as well as other ebooks are available from Phil's website.