"Stay calm and positive" is a phrase I often repeat to myself. This phrase could mean a lot of different things, in a lot of different circumstances. Say in a training week, I am sore as hell, dont really want to be doing a workout etc., this reminds me to keep moving forward. In other circumstances, involving people that are annoying, either intentionally or un-intentionally, this keeps me focussed on the task at hand and my own personal code of conduct.

As adults, I think we struggle with a few basic day-to-day challenges. It seems like many people, as they get to work, have familial or other responsibilities, start to take out a lot of their personal stress on others -- co-workers, friends, neighbors. I have dealt with a lot of people like this, who are stressed out and get moody with me as a consequence, or dont pay their bills on time, or who will say hurtful things without realizing the implication of them. I am like that too sometimes, I am sure. There are choices to be made with every action and reaction and I choose, conciously, to not be a jerk, 99% of the time. Do I succeed? I dont know, ask my buddies... but, tolerance is NOT a youthful virtue. I used to be a lot less patient and accepting.

As a grown-up though, staying calm and positive is not a multiple-choice answer, it keeps me happy and centered. If someone is jerking me around, specially, I dont take that as a cue to let down my own personal beliefs. That should get me through this November as a thought for the day! :)