Have you ever thought about how much or how little you’re able to handle or tolerate comments that seem to push the wrong buttons? Now and then there will be people in our lives that will push our buttons. When this happens to me, it is a test of knowing how much I can tolerate while drawing on my inner strength not to allow others to ruin my day.
It’s also a reminder from the quote that resonates deeply within me from the Dalai Lama. Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace. – Dalai Lama
Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace. – Dalai Lama – Quotespedia.org
Last week on October 10, 2024, we celebrated World Mental Health Day which raised awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilized efforts in support of mental health.
World Mental Health Day (who.int)
Ironically, on that same day Ethel Kennedy, Wife of Robert F. Kennedy, and human rights advocate died at age 96 and many woke up hearing the news of Hurricane Milton in parts of Florida.
Ethel Kennedy, human rights activist and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, dies at 96 (msn.com)
Maps and charts: Hurricane Milton’s impact across Florida | CNN
As I think about the words “Tolerance” and “Mental Health” I’m also aware we must think about the connections tied to our Emotional Intelligence.
Knowing that Milton is the fifth hurricane to make landfall in the mainland U.S. in 2024, the traffic of those returning home was a testament to their tolerance and patience.
Milton Was Fifth US Hurricane Landfall Of 2024 | Weather.com
You and I recently witnessed the 100 Days of Summer, not to be confused with the Reality TV Series (2013).
However, the 100 Days of Summer were Critical Days of Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and a safety campaign intended to remind the community to have fun, but stay safe this summer.
Knowing that the Army and all the other services have always had various campaigns tied to this awareness, tolerance should not be mistaken for taking risks.
I’m aware that over the years the Army changed their campaigns from 100 days of summer to 101 days of summer; however, it’s the same message about not losing a life and staying safe this summer.
Although the summer is over our mental health is continuous.
“Spring and summer are the Army’s deadliest times of year for mishaps, both on and off duty. From FY19 to FY23, the Army lost an average of 84 Soldiers each year in off-duty mishaps. That’s over three times the number of Soldiers lost to on-duty mishaps, and it’s devastating to our Army.”
Army releases 2024 Spring/Summer safety campaign | Article | The United States Army
During my time in uniform, what I did not have or readily at my fingertips was access to great Military Health programs. Today there is a litany of information at our fingertips through the official website of the Military Health System.
Military Health Topics | Health.mil
As an advocate for mental health and emotional intelligence, every day knowing that we have a problem is a problem.
Although, I may be an “outlier” for some who have never served in the military or received specific training on mental health, today is about a reflection of your tolerance.
As you and I continue to look through the various lens of life, I’m reminded of a conversation with my daughter this week. I was told of a key employee getting laid off from his job. Although the individual will receive severance pay, there is a sense of tolerance and emotional intelligence for someone 55 years old and above having to find another job.
Knowing that there are four domains and twelve competencies within Emotional Intelligence I only want to focus on “self-awareness” the foundation of emotional intelligence. For that employee being laid off unexpectedly or anyone for that fact being able to be in tune with their feelings, and effectively manage their lives according to their emotional state is a matter of tolerance.
Each of us can remain happy; however, how we go about it is up to us.
Sometimes we need to reclaim the child within us. I invite you to check out your voice. Shel Silverstein is best known for his whimsical poetry for children.
The Voice
There is a voice inside of you that whispers all day long, ‘I feel that this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.’ No teacher, preacher, parent, friend, or wise man can decide what’s right for you – just listen to the voice that speaks inside. ~ Shel Silverstein
The Voice – poem by Shel Silverstein | PoetryVerse
Today, I challenge you to listen to your voice within and understand how much you can tolerate, while never allowing others to destroy your inner peace.
Your post highlights the importance of tolerance, emotional intelligence, and mental health, centered around the Dalai Lama’s advice to protect inner peace. You emphasize self-awareness in handling life’s challenges and encourage listening to one’s inner voice, as Shel Silverstein’s poem suggests. It’s a timely reminder to stay grounded despite external pressures.
Dave,
Thank you for your support today and we all need reminders to stay grounded despite external pressures.
McKinley
Thank you so much for your thoughts on mental health. There is no health without mental health. Sadly, it is so misunderstood in the community I
come from. Prayer and talking with Big Momma takes the place of diagnosis and therapy with educated mental health professionals. There can never be enough education to change the perception of mental health issues as a character flaw or punishment for non-Christian behavior.
As for tolerance and not letting the behavior of others steal my joy, I have learned to avoid toxic individuals whenever I can. I feel no guilt in moving away because in most cases I have no control over what is causing so much toxcity in their lives.
Dr. Fox,
Thank you for adding value to my blog today on Tolerance. I have learned to embrace mental health over the years and value all the people in the mental health community that help diagnosis and provide therapy. Toxic people are everywhere and you’re right “I feel no guilt in moving away because in most cases I have no control over what is causing so much toxicity in their lives.”
McKinley