A Statistic Best Avoided
Fact is, we all have “last thing I needed the first thing this morning” moments. Some of us seemingly have more than most and others have but a few, if they have any at all. Correspondingly, on a scale of one to ten, some moments are a three while some moments are a seven. And then there are the moments that are a thirteen.
As an aside, we live in a world full of statistics. Such as a coronary event occurs every 40 seconds and 370,000 people die annually in the US. Likewise, globally someone dies of a cancer-related event every two seconds. Concurrently, globally, about four babies are born every second.
That said, I suspect that the data is out there somewhere. I am sure, in this modern age of AI, enlightenment is but a prompt or two away. Then we would know, statistically, the frequency of “last thing I needed the first thing this morning” moments. Then again, the fact of the matter is, that singular piece of information isn’t really that important. What’s really important is what happens in the moments immediately after the camel’s back broke. Needless to say, this is the time for a stress reliever. Otherwise, stuff can go terribly wrong.
For some of us, our stress reliever is deep breathing and long walks. Some of us head to the local batting cage or perhaps a local gun or archery range. Others visit their favorite “watering hole” or their preferred dispensary. Then there are those that go home and “kick the cat.” Urban Dictionary defines “kick the cat” as “snapping at an innocent person or creature that just happens to be handy.”
In Through the Nose, Out Through the Mouth
The above stress relievers are all relatively innocent enough. The underlying question is what happens when these “relief valves” don’t work? Stated another way, what happens when kicking the cat really means kicking the cat? What happens when it’s something or someone else that is in harm’s way? Regrettably, the answer all too often manifests itself as breaking news.
It’s been said that “all man is capable of all things”. Obviously, that can go two ways. Undoubtedly the line between the two outcomes – the positive and the negative – is the finest of fine lines. Fortunately there are far more positive outcomes than there are negative outcomes. Fortunately far more anthills than mountains fill our days and the mountains are easy climbs. Likewise, “last straws” are few and far between.
I have been told that every day is a gift. Thankfully I easily navigate most days with flying colors. Some days I survive in shades of gray. I am also frequently reminded that every day is a test. Today I probably earned a solid C plus, possibly a B minus. Hopefully tomorrow I will do better.
To be clear, this story isn’t about road rage or some other, similar anger manifestation. This is about one, two, three, four or more small things coalescing into one really big thing. This is about the past due bill, the alarm clock, the garbage man, the gate, and the spilled coffee. And let’s not forget the knee. To make matters worse, they all happen within minutes of each other. Yep, the perfect storm, swirling about, right before your eyes. The last thing you needed the first thing this morning.
