Welcome back to another daily dose of perspective with today’s Thought of the Day and Question of the Day. We’re diving into what it means to stay calm when life gets intense, and what it might feel like to stare into the open mouth of a man-eating shark. Sound dramatic? Maybe. But if you’ve ever juggled toddlers, deadlines, and laundry all before 9 a.m., you already know a thing or two about high-pressure environments. Today’s post reflects on mental strength and underwater courage, with a few laughs and honest moments along the way.
Thought of the Day:
“It takes immense strength to stay calm in tough situations.” — Zhenya Zerkalenkov
I don’t know Zhenya personally, but I feel like they’ve watched me try to unload groceries while my 4-year-old screams about the wrong pasta. Staying calm in tough situations doesn’t always mean you’re meditating on a mountaintop, it often looks like holding your tongue when you’d rather scream, or choosing not to fire off that angry email at 11:43 p.m.
The calmest I’ve ever been in a hard moment wasn’t because I felt zen, it was because I had no other choice. Calm wasn’t peace, it was survival. There’s a deep kind of strength in choosing clarity over chaos, especially when your heart is racing and your palms are sweaty.
Plus screaming back at my children doesn’t work. They just scream louder and I end up crying
If today’s thought hits home, you might enjoy this post about laying deep foundationsor the spell of the seas.
Question of the Day:
Would you get into a shark cage and swim with man-eating sharks?
Yes. 100%. I absolutely would get into a shark cage. With a qualified guide, a certified steel cage, and ideally zero fish guts stuck in my wetsuit. I wouldn’t swim outside the cage—I’m not insane—but from the safety of that metal box? I think it would be incredible.
There’s something awe-inspiring about being that close to a creature so powerful, knowing you’re protected but still fully aware of the danger. It’s a reminder of your own smallness and of the beauty in facing fears, even with boundaries. The truth is, some of the scariest moments in life are also the most clarifying.
And let’s be honest, swimming with sharks might actually feel less stressful than holiday travel with three kids. Or trying to record a podcast episode without anyone under four feet tall interrupting.
If you like this kind of daring reflection, check out the post where I ask which shark would be most annoying to hang out with at a bar or this about how many sharks can you name. Spoiler alert: It’s still your inbox.
Let’s Hear from You
Would you do it? Shark cage: yes or absolutely not? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your take. And if you want these daily reflections sent straight to your inbox, you can sign up for the daily email here. One question, one thought, every morning.