Maybe, Said the Farmer

Equanimity means to accept both the good and bad with mental calmness, composure and even temper. Often when faced with a situation I am feeling strong emotions about I try to breathe and say nothing. I apply the hockey rule for parents, “ don’t say anything for 24 hours. Think about it, let the emotions boil over, then speak rationally about it.” Being a teacher and seeing children in “unacceptable parenting “ homes often made me want to lose it. However, I knew that I could not lose it and become angry. There were many times I went home and cried or was worried about a child. Yet I could do nothing. Growing a “thick skin” was part of teaching for me.