Calm and its opposite



Often we use synonyms to explain a word but sometimes, an antonym can express the meaning more clearly. That’s how I feel about the word calm.

I don’t think calm is best described as peace, serene or still. Although elements of those words do fit.

But for me, the meaning is captured more accurately when we see the opposite of calm as being overwhelmed.

It is when we feel unable to manage the situation, emotion or challenge we are facing. Calm is not the absence of uncertainty or stress. It is not the absence of waves in the ocean but the capacity to ride with them until we reach the shore or still waters.

Calm is a deeper level assurance that all is well.

So, we can find calm in a storm. We can find calm in the sadness. We can find calm in the calamity. Because calm is rooted in faith, hope and love.


About Kelley

Kelley is a speaker, author, overseas aid worker and perpetual student. She is passionate about women and gender issues, both in the local and international context, which underpins her enthusiasm for kinwomen and its contribution to women ‘living their finest life’. In 2014 Kelley completed a Masters in International and Community Development before establishing The Foxglove Project. Foxglove is a registered charity focused on supporting international development projects that are sustainable and driven by indigenous leadership. Kelley’s paid work requires her to travel extensively to evaluate and support projects supported by Australian funds. This experience and networking enables Foxglove to partner with outstanding overseas agencies delivering real opportunities for the poor and vulnerable to lead independent self-determined lives. Kelley combines these passions with a love of family and faith. Across more than 30 years of marriage, Kelley and her husband have worked through many of the challenges of building a relationship while raising three sons. Their boys have now finished high school changing the dynamics of family life and relationships. One of her great joys is sharing parenting lessons and learning from good and bad (sometimes disastrous) experiences. She uses humour and common sense to talk about the everyday challenges facing parents in today’s context.