When our kids are in the middle of a tantrum or outburst of anger, they need me to be calm. Not shouty or angry myself, but calm. Often they need to be held or talked quietly to. It is like I am an anchor for them to get through tantrum. I notice this because I don’t always react calmly and the difference is very noticeable.

In times of chaos or change, we need anchors. Our emotions are heightened and anxiety combined with fear often run high. One of the roles of change makers and leaders is be calm providing an anchor to others. Being calm doesn’t mean being without questions. And it doesn’t mean to be certain about everything. Being calm in change is remembering another day will come.

We can be certain about the future without knowing the path to get there. And other times we can be certain about the path we need to travel without being certain on what future it brings.

Photo by Lacie Slezak