“Keep Calm and Golf On”

Greetings from 18 Holes and Counting.  As I sit here thinking of a topic to write about for my Reads from the Reds article on our blog, the only thing that comes to mind is the recent election.

It’s everywhere – the radio, the TV, all conversations.  It’s non-stop.  I can feel the anxiousness in the air and all the information can be a bit overwhelming.  The situation is upon us and through it all I keep hearing the following phrase repeat itself in my brain….

As Great Britain prepared for war with Germany in 1939, the government printed millions of colorful posters urging the people to “KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.” The posters never needed to be distributed because that’s what the people were doing…..on their own.  

Keep calm means to not get emotionally invested in situations, events, or people you have absolutely no control over.  It is a recommendation to many of us right now amidst the uncertainty and unprecedented anxieties surrounding this critical national election.  

The only thing certain is that the American people voted in record numbers and with determination and enthusiasm unseen in recent memory.  THAT IS GOOD!  Most of us cared deeply enough about our democracy to ensure we voted.  

Well-meaning advice for people freaking out about current events often includes encouragement to be patient, stay calm and keep the faith… but how on Earth are you supposed to do that amid the insanity of 2020?  Here are a few of my thoughts on what may help to make it through these challenging times:

• Put the phone down.  While it is tempting to stay glued to your devices and social media during this time, the never-ending doom scrolling and screen-refreshing becomes overwhelming and keeps you in a state of tension and constant vigilance. 

• Don’t retreat into bed.  The feeling of deep disappointment about election results you don’t like can trigger a desire to withdraw and hole up. While that response is natural, it tends to be counterproductive.  Staying engaged in activities that give you a sense of accomplishment, pleasure or meaning can make managing this time far less painful.

• Remember it’s happened before.  While in many ways it is true that 2020 was quite unique and unprecedented, it’s also the case that we are remarkably resilient, even in the face of tremendous stress and trauma.  This difficult time will not last forever.  Things won’t magically all get better, but time will move forward, this situation will change and you will keep putting one foot in front of the other.

• Don’t go through this time alone.  While the pandemic means you need to remain physically distant from others, this should not mean staying socially or emotionally distant.  Reach out and stay connected – even if that means texting about the new season of “The Mandalorian” to your golfing partner. 

• Stay regular.  No, I am not referring to your bathroom breaks – maintain a regular and healthy eating, sleep and exercise pattern. 

• Help others.  This may feel like an odd time to be asked to support others when you feel so depleted yourself, but helping others is linked to benefits in your own mental health. 

As the British philosophical writer James Allen once said: “The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good.  Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.” 

My Reads from the Reds:  It is time to Keep Calm and Carry On, or in my case – Keep Calm and Golf On!

Fairways and Greens Everyone! We are 18 Holes and Counting!

Written by Kathy Festa