The Quiet Storm

There are storms you can see in the distance, heading toward you.
And then there are storms that have nothing to do with the sky.

 

Sometimes the people who appear to have it most together on the outside are the ones with a tornado raging inside.

 

Their composure gives those closest to them a false sense of security. They must be fine. They always are.

 

At home, they finally become their authentic self. The mask hangs on the same hook as the keys and badge.

 

And yet, the pressures, responsibilities, and relentless juggling meet them before they even unlock the front door. They keep them company long after everyone else in the house has fallen asleep in front of the TV or gone to bed.

 

Calm does not mean settled.
Still does not mean steady.

 

Sometimes the body keeps score of what the mouth never says.

 

Elevated cholesterol.
High blood pressure.
Elevated cortisol levels.

 

Trouble falling or staying asleep.

 

A clenched jaw.
Erratic breathing.
Shoulders that have not fully relaxed in years.

 

They answer texts between meetings.
Return calls during lunch.
Arrive early or stay late.

 

“I’ll handle it.” 

“I've got it.” 

Their mantra.

 

No one questions the calmest person in the room.

 

Some storms never make a sound.

 

Just like sleeping in the garage will not magically turn you into a Lamborghini, pretending the storm is not there will not make it disappear. It only makes the storm quieter and more dangerous.

What might be brewing beneath the calmest person in your life or on your team?

 

More to come.

Chef Maria