Keep Calm and Carry On was a poster produced by the British government in 1939 during the beginning of World War II intended to raise the morale of the British public under the threat of impending invasion. It was produced as a prototype and never used. The poster was rediscovered in 2000 and has been re-printed and sold commercially ever since. I recently saw it for the first time in my colleague’s office in  England. 

I think “Keep Calm and Carry On” may need to become my new motto. I certainly need to “calm the hell down” as has been suggested by those who shall remain nameless. And we must always “carry on”. Even in our darkest hours; we must carry on! It seems that I’ve been “carrying-on” for sometime now but “to carry on” means something else entirely I’m told.

Very British this idea of calm and deliberate forward progress. Stiff upper lip and all that. I like the idea of being undeterred; to remain steadfast in our pursuits and mission. Too often it seems that I run away or give up when faced with set-backs or disappointments. Perhaps if I would just “Keep Calm and Carry On” I would find that these ‘minor detours’ in life are not insurmountable and may even be character building (but let’s not push it!). Regardless, instead of shrinking from my responsibilites, failures, or hardships the thought of soldiering-on seems noble.

I’m hoping (and praying) that the next time life sends some crap my way I will remember to “Keep Calm and Carry On” instead of burying my head in the sand or crying into my pillow. Very well then!

Peace,

Denis