Keep Calm and Carry On!

I must admit, I’m not one to follow trends. I’ll wear make up to go to bed and take it off in the morning and I’d much prefer to walk around with my head in a book than don the trendiest labels. So you can imagine my surprise when I came across this fine beauty for the second time, not realising it would be such a hit in fashion:

I first saw this poster in a magazine and hastily ripped it out, sticking it to my notice board. I kept it as a little extra encouragement when doing my university assignments. Slowly but surely, I began seeing it around more often and was excited when I came across the slogan on a hoodie while I was browsing through Selfridges. Unfortunately I didn’t have 52 pounds just rolling around in loose change in the bottom of my bag and I had to walk away feeling a little crestfallen. For those of you who don’t know, here’s the most amazing history about the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On” slogan:

Keep Calm and Carry On was one of three posters produced by the British Government’s Ministry of Information, on the eve of war in 1939. The other two were ‘Freedom is in Peril’ and ‘Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory’. These posters were plastered everywhere, from shop windows to public transport to keep up British morale. They were simple reassuring instructions, each topped with the commanding seal of King George’s VI’s crown. Two and a half million copies of the Keep Calm and Carry On sheets were printed, but they would be distributed only in the imminent threat of a German invasion. Thankfully, as this never happened, they never saw the light of day and were almost all destroyed. So that might have been that, if one of the few remaining posters hadn’t been discovered in a dusty box, bought at auction and displayed in a bookstore.

Forgive me for feeling patriotic, but such a story makes me proud to be British. The British ‘stiff upper lip’ and persevering persona is still here and I don’t think my post could have come at a better time considering England’s victory match in the World cup on Wednesday.

The Keep Calm and Carry On slogan isn’t something I’m naturally good at following. I’m not a calm person. In fact, I’m far from it. I’m an over thinker and over analyser. I’m quick to worry and difficult to calm down, which I’m sure you’ll agree isn’t the best combination. Consequently, the poster hasn’t just provided me with comfort but made me realise how the support of others can be really important to help divert disaster.

I hope John won’t mind me saying this but when a family member of his passed away I felt terrible. I could do nothing to help him or make him feel better. The fact that he got in touch a few days later and he was coping alright made me wonder how much amazing support he must have had. I could do nothing, yet I checked up on him and bought daffodils in memory of my friend’s loss. I’ll always remember 22^nd April and vow to always buy daffodils. Not only in memory of the person who I wished I could have thanked personally for raising such a good guy, but in support for that good guy, who’s always stood by me.

I admire the fact that Jason has enough support to offer everyone. He looks after his son, supports his sick father and helps out his mother on a daily basis and still has enough time to make sure that I’m doing okay. Yet he never expects anything in return. I was only happy to call him when he needed me recently. And I’d do the same again without a second doubt

I love my mother for understanding the look of anger and despair on and giving me the first Kit Kat chunky from the pack as I cried about boys that I feel have treated me badly.

I love Mary and Addy for being the voices of reason and I love Lorraine for always putting a smile on my face.

The lesson that I’ve learned today is about the importance of support. You may not be able to solve a problem be it your own, a family member’s or a friend’s. But taking a breath, thinking the situation through rationally and giving or receiving support is often all it takes to help.

Take the time to ‘keep calm and carry on’. It’ll benefit yourself and others.

P.S. While I’m taking the time to think about the importance of support, I’d like to thank everyone who’s been reading my blog and commenting. Writing is something I love to do and the fact that you enjoy my blog makes me happy.

P.P.S I have recently found the Keep Calm and Carry On hoodie for 35 pounds and will be investing as soon as I can. ;)