In case of emergency

Don’t panic! A phrase seldom taken literally but more commonly used as a colloquial expression.  Regardless, the general consensus asserts that panicking rarely helps matters even though I suspect that most of us have at one time or another. 

Sometimes it’s simply unavoidable and our circumstances elicit emotions that produce a knee-jerk reaction. There’s a primal aspect to all of this since the ability to arouse a sense of urgency is essential to our survival functions.  “Danger Will Robinson!”

Unless you live in total obscurity, you’re probably cognizant of the ever present turmoil that wreaks havoc throughout the world. Whether it’s political fallout, natural disasters or any number of tragic events, these hardships seem overwhelming at best and surely give way to panic.

When “Life” reaches an impasse, what is an appropriate or even better, a healthy response? The walls have crumbled, the sinkhole is deepening and the need to face your fears is moot because your fears have come to face you. Dun dun dun……

Is it feasible to sit in the “eye” of the storm and wait out the devastating effects? Frankly, having the presence of mind to remain grounded in an unstable environment is no easy task.

However, more often than not I believe we panic over things far less threatening, though it may not feel that way at the time. Whenever we’re entangled in adverse circumstances it slowly chips away at our determination. At the very least our motivation is hampered and we’re left renovating a defeatist attitude.

Let’s ponder using a facetious anecdote with me as the sacrificial lamb.    

Awhile back, I became reacquainted with a former colleague whom I hadn’t seen in over a decade. While catching up over coffee we volleyed back and forth and at one point he shared that he’d been married for eight years but unfortunately it didn’t work out. Typically, in the spirit of quid pro quo came my turn to share. My offering; “Nothing to report here just happily adrift with no casualties”. Relax, those weren’t my exact words but still, the silence was deafening.

Bless his heart; he traipsed through that mine field like a sumo wrestler in stilettos. “Really, he asked?” while trying to mask his utter state of disbelief. “Don’t you think men will find it a turn off that you haven’t been married by now?” “You’re not afraid that you’ll never find love?” Well, I wasn’t but thanks for that!  Judging by his facial expression he seemed concerned enough for both of us.

Frankly, I wasn’t aware that marriage and love were synonymous even though I knew that wasn’t his point. If the customary window for marriage has been missed and calls for consternation then I inferred those who have been divorced at least once can kick back and relax. Duly noted! Clearly this case scenario hardly seems worthy of true panic, although people panic for less. In this case, I think it has more to do with the idea that one could live out their days alone. Trust me, it isn’t supernatural.

You see, I think panic serves as a smokescreen for the true culprits that weigh heavily on us i.e. self-doubt, loneliness, fear of failure etc. These are the very attitudes that stir our uneasiness and catapult us into misery.

When the stigma of failing to achieve the very things that we have been conditioned to believe are revered, admirable and conventional; panic seems apropos. The conundrum occurs when attempting to measure one’s life against these prevailing standards without regard to our own unique needs and developments.

The notion that we are relegated to conform solely for the purposes of outside acceptance or become ostracized is simply a fallacy.  Life isn’t “one size fits all”! Even the items that purport to be never are.

Ergo, if this panic button truly exists, then I can honestly say that I have hit it!  Not once but several times, just to make sure. And what has come of it, you ask?   I surmise that the “button” was designed to interrupt an unfavorable state and summon assistance, a truce of sorts.

So I encourage you to take a stance and push that button! Set yourself free and stop the madness. Supposing I’m right, my only grievance thus far is wondering when that assistance going to get here already! Remember, impatience is a virtue J