Is Everyone Emotionally Crumbling?

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I recently read an interesting article in Forbes about leaders emotionally crumbling and that something needs to be done about it.

I also am returning from a glorious week of relaxation in Hawaii. However, during the packed flights and throughout the entire travel experience, I noticed how many people seemed to be generally pissed off and impatient with each other. Flights often feel like a dog eat dog process. It’s almost like peoples’ strategy to get their stuff in the aircraft’s overhead bins first, and at all cost, is a metaphor for our emotional unhinging. Hey, I like to be able to preboard so I’m no saint when it comes to my carry on luggage. Still, as we board an aircraft, it’s sometimes sad to watch our collective behavior.

And as I’m reading the news, I’m stunned by the man who takes a break from his dinner date to shoot and kill a person in a parking lot who scammed him out of $40. Seriously? Kills the guy between the appetizer and main course? That behavior is bizarre, and obviously an extreme example of being emotionally unhinged. However, it should give cause for pause to ask, “what the hell?”

So what do we do about this seemingly evolving emotional unhinging? I am not qualified to give broad based psychological advice. Simultaneously, I am mostly in control of my own behavior and have some level of influence. So here are a few refreshed guidelines for me on the back end of a week of self reflection, and also inspired by the sage advice from an indigenous elder during a recent smudge and blanket ceremony:

Thank my creator every day for simply being able to see the sun come up. Ask for blessing and help. However crappy things are, have true faith and be grateful for being awake.
Count to three before I act and consider the situation of the other person. Use my breath as space for more thoughtful action and reaction.
Be kind and more generous in small ways by being more present and available and loving.
Have the fortitude and self accountability to live by my values and purpose without expecting perfection of myself or others.
Leave space for everyone to put their luggage in the overhead bins.

Think big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

One Millennial View: We might be spending too much time allowing blase phrases like “why not?” and “who cares?” dictate our choices, because it’s easier, less judgemental and seemingly progressive. Make and abide by values, principles and purpose. Your actions matter. Your soul matters. Laws matter. We’re giving ourselves too many excuses for behaving poorly, and lacking the mental grit to be intentionally polite when faced with adversity. While we know we cannot take possessions with us when we’re gone, I believe our actions will follow and represent us. If anything, selfishly protect yourself by developing the mental fortitude to be as pleasant as possible, and accidentally become selfless, and enjoyable company in the process.

- Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis

Is Everyone Emotionally Crumbling?

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