Bill and I have been watching One Mississippi, an Amazon TV show that ran for 2 seasons before being cancelled by 
Amazon. It’s a semi-autobiographical show about a few years in the life of comedian Tig Notaro, during which she recovered from a severe intestinal disease, had surgery and treatment for breast cancer, lost her mother, and broke up with her partner. Tig moves back home to Mississippi from LA, and begins to deal with the rest of her family and its dysfunction while continuing her live radio show and meeting new friends.
The thing that I like about Tig in this series is her evenness. In each episode events happen that could cause her to react with anger, resentment, or grief. But Tig has a habit of pausing before each situation, and responding with calm evenness. She doesn’t gloss over things, nor does she capitulate her own point of view. In fact, she often takes a stand, questioning the status quo. But she does this with such calmness that it’s far more effective than explosive anger or wailing grief.
It seems to me that our culture would work better if most of us could adapt Tig’s way of responding to the vagaries of life. There seem to be 3 steps to this evenness that is so beneficial to Tig and those around her on the show.
- Awareness. Tig doesn’t brush anything under the rug. She sees what is going on underneath the surface talk.
- Refusal to react. Tig stays responsive, not reactive. She doesn’t avoid dealing with what she sees or hears, but she pauses and avoids emotion-based reaction. Rather, she sticks to calm and clear responsiveness.
- Standing on truth. Tig calls things like she sees them. She stands for herself (or for someone else) as situations arise. But by doing that with a measured response rather than hot emotion she comes across as sturdy. Her stand is firm.
Responding with evenness and an awareness of everyone’s self-interest is, to me, a conscious and wise way to get through what’s going on in your life. I’ve enjoyed watching Tig Notaro and learning more about how effective calm evenness is.
While One Mississippi is over now, you can still enjoy the series on Amazon, here’s (my affiliate) link to season one of the show. I think you’ll enjoy seeing how evenness can grow your confidence and make an impact in your business.
For more help with business building without losing your mind, check out my special workbook “20 Questions to Help You Expand Your Business Without Frustration or Overwhelm,” which you can get at no charge on my website.
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