Why are you so calm?

Calmness in my heart has come from mediation and my own spirituality. Whenever I get angry, I simply let it go because it’s not worth it. However, I have been noticing that my “calmness” or my “Okay” to people’s responses have either angered people or made them think twice about talking to me to begin with. I’m not sure which is which but ever since I’ve practiced Stoicism I no longer freak myself out, I handle myself accordingly.

For those of you who have never heard of Stoicism, it’s the practice of indifference during tough times by simply using logic and ethics. This Hellenistic philosophy was founded by Zeno of Citium, in Athens, in the early 3rd century BC. I was at Ocean State Job Lot one day and a guy told me, “Hey man be careful out here you need to be wearing gloves or something. Don’t be taking this Corona virus too lightly.” I wasn’t even rude when I responded, “Okay man will do!” He responded, “I’m serious” with more bass in his voice. At that moment, I responded, “No I know. I just bought gloved!” without an attitude that even remotely stated, “I’m a millennial you old man you can’t tell me what to do!” I respect my elders to the fullest but this was just weird. I truly believe that when you are so unbothered by the majority of things happening in your life many will think something is wrong with you. However, I respect what the man said but I don’t believe in freaking out or overreacting over anything that is out of my control. I believe in remaining calm and reacting accordingly.

Which is why being calm is the new cool. Everything around you can burn to the ground but instead of freaking out, think before you do anything. Most people, young and old are in panic mode right now because of Covid 19. We must not do this. We have to figure out solutions instead of creating more problems! It’s the reason why our world is in such dire straights. You must remain calm and rid yourself of these trivial emotions running through your head. Silence the thoughts of, “Oh my God what are you going to do!” and “It’s the end of the world as we know it” because this does not lead to happiness. This way of thinking will only lead to pessimism and with overwhelming pessimism you can never be happy!