Veteran Mettle

When things don't make sense, when I've exhausted all energy on understanding, or when I become overwhelmed - I revert to something I know. In the past, I tended to spiral, allowing something troubling to take control of my time, energy and even my happiness. Over time I've learned to break away from something troubling, to do something productive instead. When I cannot make progress on something (for example homework, or trying to remember something), I halt all effort toward that thing, and I focus on something that makes sense. I clean, walk the dogs, read, meditate, lift weights or organize some of the clutter in my house. Trial and error is how I have found a way to be healthy and constructive, instead of being self-destructive or just "spinning my tires". In basic training we learn how to make a bed. This seems insignificant at the time and feels like something else we may do correctly but will certainly get gigged for. This simple act of discipline, ...