An old piece of wisdom expressed in a slightly different way.
I read a story about Army surgeons operating in a FOB (Forward Operating Base) Field Hospital while under attack. One was younger and on the edge of a panic attack, while the other, a more mature member, seemed calm and fully engaged in patient care. During a less hectic moment, the younger surgeon turns to the older one and asks, “What’s your secret to staying so calm during all this chaos?” Almost without pause, the mature surgeon utters one word in answer, “Surrender.”
Of course, they didn’t mean surrendering to the enemy but surrendering your concerns about things you have no control over so you can focus on those you do. That impactful word and sound advice keep resonating in my thoughts as of late. So, I’m trying not to worry about all those other ‘cups’ and only focus on my own.
Reminds me of the Serenity Prayer. I would like to say I have surrendered, but the truth is I still have more to surrender. I seem to hang on to some things I still cannot control. A bit of insanity for sure. Maybe it’s more about little surrenders on a regular basis, especially when surrounded by chaos. I love your last line, more of that wisdom I find on this blog. “So, I’m trying not to worry about all those other ‘cups’ and only focus on my own.”
Yes, it’s the same wisdom as the Serenity Prayer, but the word “Surrender” in this story was especially impactful for me. It’s all very personal, with different distractions and needs. The cup statement came to me when my thoughts turned to the simple fact that for all those cups we can only drink out of one at a time. Thank you, Monte!
Without doubt these are wise words, and perfectly suitable in such a situation. There’s not much to win but a lot to loose if succumbing to fear and paralysis.
The difficulty in our situation, Earl, however is to know, when it’s time to succumb… And there is not one answer that fits all.
A fine picture, and the red and brown tones immediately invoke a feeling of harmony.
I agree, Markus; there’s no “one size fits all” answer. It’s fluid as well, with the distractions ever-changing, which makes it even more challenging but necessary to focus on those things we control and that are essential. Thank you for the kind comments on the photo. A little harmony is most welcome. ~smile~