How many of us have been mislead in life? We all have. We have all unknowingly fallen victim to someone's terms and conditions. Assured things would be one way and later finding out things to be the total opposite, and not for the good. Disillusionment at its finest. Well the question is, "What do you do now that you are where you are?". I can only speak for myself, but I am the type of gal who likes to know if the boat is sinking when I come on. (Of course I am speaking figuratively; a metaphor that can be applied to many scenarios in life.) I will gladly help throw water over and patch up holes, if and only if, you were honest and truthful from the very beginning (and knowing all the facts I still decided get on the boat). I think that goes for most everyone when getting into something. No one likes undesirable surprises. But the truth of the matter is, it still happens to all of us. Feeling overwhelmed in difficult times is perfectly normal, it's part of being human, but I think we all must practice nerve control and cool headedness more often. Practicing these qualities will make a difference during times of high pressure and stress, leading to more rational decisions rather than impulsive ones based on anxiety and fear triggered by the present situation. Starting off as a beginner at this game called "real life" and everything it comes with, I could not have felt this way more. Re-reading the chapter "Steady Your Nerves" I wanted to type the whole chapter because there was so much that resonated with me. Just have a read at the following paragraphs and you'll understand what I am referring to. "Don't forget, there are always people out there looking to get you. They want to intimidate you. Rattle you. Pressure you into making a decision before you've gotten all the facts. They want you thinking and acting on their terms, not yours. So the question is, are you going to let them? When we aim high, pressure and stress obligingly come along for the ride. Stuff is going to happen that catches us off guard, threatens or scares us. Surprises (unpleasant ones, mostly) are almost guaranteed. The risk of being overwhelmed is always there. In these situations, talent is not the most sought-after characteristic. Grace and poise are, because these two attributes precede the opportunity to deploy any other skill. We must possess, as Voltaire once explained about the secret to the great military success of the first Duke of Marlborough that "tranquil courage in the mist of tumult and serenity of soul in danger, which the English call a cool head" (Holiday, 2014, p. 26). Well isn't that the truth?! Let us strive to achieve the nerve control of Ulysses S. Grant, that while faced with countless of life-threatening situations he would not flinch! We must accept what is and defy what we can. As Holiday (2014) so simply puts it "...there is always a countermove, always an escape or a way through, so there is no reason to get worked up. No one said it would be easy and, of course, the stakes are high, but the path is there for those ready to take it (p.26). Remember "...this means preparing for the realities of our situation, steadying our nerves so we can throw our best at it" (Holiday, 2014, p. 26). "What such a man needs is not courage but nerve control, cool headedness. This he can get only by practice."
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