Keeping Calm in the Storm: A Personal Reflection from an Army Brat, Naval Wife, and Entrepreneur

War has always felt personal to me. I grew up in a family where two generations served in the army. Later, I married a naval officer. And today, I run my own business. Through all these roles, one lesson has stayed with me: in times of uncertainty or conflict, staying calm is not just helpful — it is necessary.

As a child, I remember what it felt like during times of tension. There were drills, half-packed bags, and a quiet seriousness in the house. My parents did not talk much about fear, but I could sense it. What they showed me, though, was composure — the ability to stay focused and grounded, even when the situation was unpredictable.

Later, as a naval wife, I experienced the same sense of uncertainty in a new way. There were stretches of silence when my husband was away, and I did not always know where he was or what was happening. I had to learn how to manage my own worries while creating a sense of safety and normalcy at home — especially for our child.

Now, as an entrepreneur, I find myself drawing on those lessons in different ways. Whether it is world events, business pressures, or simply daily life, the ability to pause, reflect, and respond thoughtfully has made all the difference.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters During Difficult Times

When big things happen — especially something like war or conflict — emotions naturally run high. Fear, anger, sadness, and confusion — all of it is human. But without emotional intelligence, these feelings can take over and cloud our judgment.

To me, emotional intelligence means being aware of what you are feeling and taking a moment before reacting. It is about creating space to think things through, rather than getting swept up in the moment.

This is especially important today, when news and social media are constantly buzzing. Stories and images that are meant to stir emotion can spread quickly, even when they are not accurate. That is why it is so important to take a breath, ask questions, and make sure we are not adding to the noise.

Choosing a Quiet, Steady Stance

People are asking me for my opinion, why am I not saying anything. I feel like in times like these, I have learned that doing your part does not always mean speaking the loudest or sharing the most. Sometimes, it is about being quiet and steady. About choosing not to spread panic or misinformation. About being a calm presence for others.

One does not need to be in uniform to make a difference. We all have a role to play — and one of the most valuable things we can do is to stay grounded. For our families, our teams, and ourselves.

So if you are feeling overwhelmed by what is happening in, I invite you to take a step back. Breathe. Reflect. Be mindful about what you consume and share. And know that calm is not the opposite of caring — it is often a deeper, steadier kind of care.

Sometimes, staying calm is the most powerful contribution we can ever make.
Jai Hind!

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  1. This resonates with me, manisha. Even though one is seething with anger, venting it doesn’t always help. Sitting, praying creates a feeling of safety as anger comes out of a feeling of insecurity and helplessness. These are times when reading the greatest treatise, bhagwad geeta would help anyone.