A Bit of Philosophy,Lots of Logic and Splashes of Humor

The above three have enabled me to survive the shocks and upheavals which came my way.It is not as if I have been exceptionally lucky with the life conditions in which I found myself.It was a mixed basket as it is for everyone else.But the above mentioned attributes helped me to carry on with minimum collateral damage.

Whenever I had to face an ordeal I reminded myself that life was a kaleidoscope of both good and bad or joy and sorrow and I ought not to expect only good things for myself.I would look at those who were worse off than me,visualize a worst-case scenario,admit that things were not so bad and heave a sigh of relief.

If things spiraled out hand I got so busy coping,that the thought of sitting down to brood or lament my misfortune never entered my head.It was not a conscious decision--it happened automatically and for this I am ever grateful to my maker.My first priority has always been to analyze the problem logically--keeping my emotions at bay.This has helped me to sort out the tangles and maintain my equilibrium. 

There were times when I was maligned badly,blamed for what I could never have done, and I could do nothing except cry over my misfortune.Those were the times when I gave in to my emotions.After a while,when I was all done with the tears,I would take refuge in the thought that if someone had wronged me s/he shall one day pay for it.That was the end of the matter for me because I have a firm faith in the theory of karma.I did try to understand why someone had behaved as s/he did and it helped to cool me down too,but emotional abuse or victimization do leave permanent scars.That is the truth.I can forgive but not forget.

Humor has acted as a shield to protect me from an innate urge to be blunt,like when I was expected to respond,but could not say the truth without being rude I would take recourse to saying something silly.This saved the situation from taking an ugly turn.It is thus a handy tool in awkward situations.I am deficit in the golden mean known as diplomacy,only learning as I go along.

A touch of humor at the right moment can also assuage emotions and nip anxiety in the bud.Like,if I see a dear one taking too much stress from an annoying development my first instinct always is to play it down by saying something funny.This distracts the other person,s mind and the problem diminishes in stature.

Humor-whether in print or visual media- has always been my pet stress buster too.A TV serial Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai instantly comes to mind,or Jaane bhi do Yaaro.

As I look back down the years I realize that the above attributes were just a part of who I am--not a consciously though out strategy.Is it my DNA?Perhaps!
What is yours?