“If you’re choking in a restaurant you can just say the magic words, ‘Heimlich maneuver,’ and all will be well. Trouble is, it’s difficult to say ‘Heimlich maneuver’ when you’re choking to death.”

(Eddie Izzard)

Here at ScreamFree we advocate one thing above all else: Just stay calm, no matter what. By doing that one thing, you can tap into your inner relational genius. You can become creative. You can have compassion. You can be a grown up.

Of course, as comic genius Eddie Izzard points out, the times when we are most in need of something are often the times that are the most difficult to access them. It’s a simple thing to remember to stay calm, but have you tried it lately? It’s really hard to do in the heat of the moment! Ironically, it seems to take a certain amount of calm to remain calm.

Each of us is unique, so there’s no “one-size-fits-all” formula for staying calm. Here’s what you CAN do: Find what works for you.

• Take three deep breaths.

• Pinch the back of your hand (reminding yourself you’ve got thick skin)

• Drink a big glass of water.

• Count to 10.

• Take a lap around the house.

• Wash your face.

• Say, “Heimlich maneuver” three times fast.

Whatever it takes. Just do something to get you moving in that direction. And each time you do, give yourself a pat on the back because the more you do this, the easier it will become.

Peace begins with pause,