I'm not sure if you can imagine this, but I have had several conversations in the past week (including with myself!) about the need to blow off some steam. For many of us, that phrase is all about what we need to do with our emotions so they don't get the best of us, but I am old enough to understand where that phrase originated!
Caution: Nerd Alert!
Before the invention of the combustion engine, most everything that was powered used a steam engine. You've probably seen an old steam locomotive where fire is used to heat up water, turning it into steam. That steam gets stored in pressurized tanks and then released in streams that have enough force to push parts, that move other parts, that make the locomotive move.
Before you stop reading, there is another very important part attached to those pressured tanks that keep them from blowing up - the pressure release valve, or Safety Valve. Basically, if the pressure in the tank gets too high, this valve is triggered and "blows off some steam" so the whole thing doesn't explode.
Now that you've had a lesson on steam engines (in case you didn't know already), you see where I am going with all of this. We all need a Safety Valve in our lives - ways in which we can blow off some steam so we don't actually blow up!
What are the kinds of practices you use as a Safety Valve to keep you from exploding? Are there people you have in your life who function as a Safety Valve for you - people you know will hold safe space for you while you blow off some steam, knowing they won't take it personally and will keep your confidence? How could you be a Safety Valve for someone else this week who just needs to vent so they don't explode themselves?
Let's be honest, it sure feels like the pressure around us is continuing to build, so no matter what tools we use, or who we talk to, it's important we all take advantage of our healthy Safety Valves!
Here's to using, and being, a Safety Valve this week!
Be Well,
Stephen
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