Sep 15, 2023
From "A MINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday."
As caregivers, we regularly feel intense pressure to fix or
achieve. Yet, despite our best efforts, many of the circumstances
we face seem unyielding. Our self-judgment over things beyond our
control often leads to an incorrect verdict of failure.
Taking a step away from the caregiving realm, consider the “Slap
heard around the world” at the 2022 Academy Awards. When Will Smith
assaulted Chris Rock on stage in front of a global audience, Chris
Rock responded with extraordinary restraint. Maintaining his
composure, Chris Rock continued with the show and walked away with
nearly universal approval because he didn’t worsen an awful
situation. Not only did he handle himself well on stage, but in the
ensuing media frenzy, he remained quiet about the event. Rock chose
to address the incident on his timing—when temperatures cooled.
As caregivers, we regularly face situations that often tempt or
provoke us into intense emotional reactions. Taking a page from
Chris Rock, we can incorporate a simple strategy during
uncontrollable experiences: Not making it worse counts as a
win!
When we restrain our emotions and master our response to any given
circumstances, we live a bit calmer and can add more victories to
the “win column.”
Liberty exists in proportion to wholesome restraint. —Daniel Webster