PREPARING FOR THE WEATHER (OF THE MIND)

Like most of us, I try to take appropriate preparations when serious storms are in the forecast, but I sometimes forget to get myself ready for troublesome “mental” weather. It’s interesting to me that I seem more concerned about high winds and heavy snow than about devastating thoughts, and yet the thoughts can throw my life into far worse disorder than even the wildest winds. Thoughts filled with fears can bring bedlam to a life faster than any storm, and the effects of these stormy thoughts can last a lot longer than downed wires and damaged homes. I sometimes set out flashlights and candles for coming storms, but how often do I shine the lights of optimism and poise inside my mind when I see worries working their way toward me? The scariest storm can be met with vivacity and even exuberance, and fear, frightening as it may be, can be taught a lesson about human daring simply through clear and untroubled thinking. Easy to say, hard to do, but when unease meets serenity, the latter can take the trophy -- always.