Recently we attended our 8-year-old grandson’s Little League baseball game and came across this amazing sign. It has life lessons for all of us.
Reminders from Your Child –
I’m a kid.
It’s just a game.
My coach is a volunteer.
The officials are human.
No college scholarships will be handed out today.
If you would like to change something…volunteer.
Hillside Little League (Omaha, Nebraska)
It made me think about how we all handle the stressors of our daily lives. Do we overreact or do we try and remain calm? A great quote from the book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed:
So, if you want to become the kind of person your child wants to be around after the big game, act more like a grandparent…Grandparents don’t criticize or micromanage in the moments after the game…. critique the coach’s strategy or referee’s call. Even in the face of embarrassing failures on the field, grandparents support their grandchildren.
What a great quote that avoids overreactions and is good for heart health.
Years ago, our son’s Pony League coach literally yelled at the officials whenever he perceived a bad call or when his son made an error on the field. I wasn’t surprised when a few years later he died from a massive heart attack in his 40’s.
An angry response or emotional reaction raises blood pressure to dangerous levels which damage the arteries and organs throughout the body leading to heart attacks, strokes, dementia and kidney damage.
So, the next time you have a situation that induces a great amount of anger, take a time out and go for a walk, deep breathe or say a prayer. Don’t count to 10…count to 1,000.
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Proverbs 29:11).
Reference:
Jessica Lahey, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed (2015).
Jennie Johnson, Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke (2015).
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I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare.
ã All rights reserved 2023, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD
Author of:
Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke (2015)
Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022)
Paperback copies of both books for sale. Email me for details at: ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.
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