Keep Calm and Carry On

The British have a saying (that's way commercialized and is currently used on everything touristy) that goes, Keep Calm and Carry On.  It's attributed to Winston Churchill, who advised a very scared London public, in the face of being bombed to rubble by the Germans, to remain still.  Like normal.  Like life can simply move forward in the face of such chaos and fear.

I think the saying is so popular these days because it encompasses the stereotypical British stoicism.  And propensity to understate.  I also personally think it makes a great Introvert's Motto.  I bought a cute coaster and put it on my desk at work as a reminder - it's something I'm trying to do in my life this season.  Deliberately.  Intentionally.  Keeping calm has not been a strength of mine, but I'm improving.  By leaps and bounds.

This year is the celebration of the Queen's 60th year of reign.  It's known as her Diamond Jubilee and the city - the whole country - is involved in a year-long series of events and celebratory activities.  In fact, after the 2012 summer Olympics in London, the stadium will be renamed "Queen Elizabeth" stadium. 

Gotta love those monarchs.  And their formality.  There's something so "Old World" about it.

I appreciate the detail and style of European architecture and design.  It's obvious in the monuments and famous buildings, of course, but I notice it more in the every-day locations, like outside of local pubs and market places.  So many beautiful signs and flowers and pictures and witty sayings.  America is like that to a certain degree, but then again we bombard ourselves with industrial complexes and mini malls and shopping centers. 

There's something to be said for sure in praise of our efficiency and productivity.  We are very much a capitalist country comprised of an industrialized workforce and mentality.  We didn't get to where we are in the world by taking 2-hour siestas in the afternoon to smoke and drink.  (Thank you, protestant work ethic!  Thank you, Puritan foundation!)

But how I wish we could slow down.  And savor things.  Like the taste of a good glass of wine (instead of asking for the check midway through).  Like a flower box outside the window (instead of sticky fake flowers crammed in a vase on a formica table at IHOP).  Like a sunny Tuesday afternoon lunch in the park (instead of forking down a tasteless salad during a 3-hour work meeting in an enclosed conference room).

I'm just sayin.  There's something to be said for some kind of balance.  Some kind of middle ground between carpe diem and preparation for tomorrow instead of a frantic work pace and the blackberry-infested corporate culture.

This morning as I stewed in traffic, I thought to myself, was I really just in London?  Was I really in the English countryside like only 48 hours ago??  Where is my rich benefactor who will support me as I travel the world, eating my way through country after country?  Please contact me so we can get started.

Thanks.