Keep Calm and Carry On
On March 5, 2022 by Speranza
This once timely slogan has been relentlessly cheapened and generally relegated to the same tired category as “TGIF!;” but in the early morning light this week as I opened my own personal ‘Pandora’s Box’ (aka my laptop) I have new found respect for these words.
Because during war, once you have done all that you can do what is left? Suddenly ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ is profound advice and what we have heard brave Ukrainians echo in varying ways all week. I have hated seeing incredulous, well meaning reporters asking over and over: “Are you feeling frightened right now?” This, to a young woman who is nursing a child in a makeshift bomb shelter and who recently said goodbye to a husband who has been forced to change into a soldier overnight. And yet, this woman with her beautiful, oval face reports that she sleeps deeply at night because during the day her terror exhausts and consumes her completely – but by morning, she is refreshed, ready to go on. “I must be brave for my children,” she shrugs.
I used to have a particular loathing for the “Keep Calm” slogan because it seemed to be advocating that cold “stiff upper lip” British-ness which has such a lot to answer for.
After all, repressing your feelings (or, better still, not having any at all) has messed with the psyche of many. But I now think that culture and context are key. Like thousands of others, my parents lived through WWII in Lancashire, England and would not have been encouraged to stop and process all the sadness and destruction that they experienced. Or even acknowledge it. There were no therapists available (and if there had been, no one would have gone) so aside from heavy drinking – which was at least acceptable – there were few choices unless you were willing to be branded as “weak.” Swallow everything, do your job and “don’t let the side down.” Any emotional displays thereafter, likely felt a bit dangerous, lest the top blew off. I may be justifying my own parents’ stoic natures here, perhaps it was just them, but I’ve known quite a few older Brits from this time slot and there is definitely a pattern …
And having seen all the distressing images of people running alongside the train holding a child’s hand till the very last minute and buildings crumbling into flames and dust this week, I can see the act of just carrying on as a striking achievement all its own.
I know many people all over the world are also trying to busy themselves by “carrying on” and either not watching the news at all or obsessively refreshing their Twitter feeds.
I do a little of each – and after a Red Cross donation this week, filled three vases of flowers for inside the house.
The “Keep Calm” bit is definitely the most challenging but since we have no choice, I will continue to try. We have to.
Thanks for the encouraging words!
Indeed, the ability to keep calm and carry on in the face of catastrophe is a striking achievement. It has power on its own, leading by example, to inspire and reassure.
Sums up clearly how I’ve been feeling and with the kindness you always show ❤
It is very difficult to overcome the sadness that I feel for the Ukrainians and there doesn’t seem to be much hope for a peaceful solution however, there is a movement within the Country and across the world to support their cause. I pray a miracle will happen and if enough of us work together…………………………
I have that same prayer. Every day.