momAgenda Blog

Do You Act, Or React?

February 26, 2010 8:25 AM

Here in Fairfield County, Connecticut we are right in the thick of what the news media has deemed a "snowicane" which I guess means a snowstorm and hurricane all in one. As I look out my window I am suspicious of this wording, as all I am seeing is a steady, peaceful stream of light snowflakes falling from the sky.
The news media's manic reaction to what is essentially just another snowstorm got me thinking about the idea of overreacting, and how common it is for us as moms. We have all found ourselves in situations in which we freaked out over something which might not have been that big a deal. Our friends might even encourage this behavior. I recall a situation in which a friend's nanny made a mistake, and other friends were quick to call for her immediate firing... even though this nanny had been a responsible and integral part of the family for years. It's easy to overreact; it takes restraint and inner strength to take a step back and put a situation in perspective.
I like the phrase that I have seen on a popular poster, "Keep calm and carry on." It reminds me to relax, and act according to my gut, and try not to indulge in overreaction, just because people all around me are doing so.

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