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It’s not your typical prescription, it’s not even the creation of a biotech company. My favorite med is a product of those crazy Generation Xers. No, not medicinal gummies, I’m talking about the chill pill, as in, “take a chill pill”, “chill out”, “chill dude” and etc. The chill pill helps control my blood pressure, and probably contributes to good health in other ways as well.
I’m not perfect, but I try. Earlier today, at Krogers, my phone wouldn’t let me scan a digital coupon. Oh the humanity. I began to punish my not-so-smart phone, but had to cease and desist after a crowd, with videos rolling, began to form a circle. Maybe I’ll become a YouTube celebrity.
I never “lose” it with Chrissy, as she would deal with my tantrum in a most decisive and unpleasant manner.
And I’m pretty chill behind the wheel of my car. My philosophy is that if I wouldn’t swear at you face to face, I shouldn’t cuss you out from the safety of my car. That, and the fact that you may be armed and dangerous.
A chill pill helps me when someone says something I don’t agree with. I mean, while everyone is entitled to my opinion, I know that the constitution gives them the right to disagree with me, as long they don’t mind being wrong.
The chill pill also helps me deal with stock market volatility. I learned my lesson years ago, on Black Monday, and have chilled out ever since.
The moral of my story is that with the recent volatility in the market, a chill pill might help you keep your sanity.
Dan, I once found any number of events and topics to get heated-up about. Many of them were inconsequential irritants that just didn’t line up with how I thought people should behave. Others were things over which I had no control. For me, the key to chilling out was realizing I had plenty to do minding my behavior and my business–the only things I had any hope of controlling. And I’m a work-in-progress.
The other change I made is not spending time with angry people, either online, in the media or face-to-face.
Ed, we should all be works-in-progress, as that’s the only way to grow.
I learned my Chill Pill from my youngest daughter when she was 6 years old, “Popi, THINK CALM THOUGHTS!”
Victor, that was one wise little girl.
I would like to know what Chrissy does to settle you down so effectively…
Oh, Mike, even just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine😬
Knowing there’s a glass of wine, or something stronger, immediately available (well, I keep the stronger stuff in a basement cabinet to make access a little less available) should I feel the need, helps me chill. My choice isn’t for everyone but it works for me.
LOL, Linda, wine is a great chaser for chill pills.
I take a real chill pill, it’s called Lexapro for anxiety which I knew was a problem but didn’t address until last year. What a difference it makes.
That being said, ironically I have never been anxious when the market drops as history has always shown the market eventually recovers and then climbs higher still.
Anyone who has experienced or witnessed anxiety attacks understands how devastating they can be. It’s interesting the way that some events are triggers and others are not. The proper meds are life changers. Thanks for sharing, Dave.
A family member recently found the same solution as you, David, and it’s helped not only him but those close to him as well. Sometimes we’re at a stressful time in our lives and need help of one kind or another.
Linda,
”…and it’s helped not only him but those close to him as well.”
You speak the truth!
I could have used that pill when doing my income taxes this week. I have used TurboTax for several years, no problem.
This year I was finished and about to file when I realized I didn’t enter my state estimated payments. The software would not allow me to go back to make the entry. I searched for help with no luck. When I finally did talk to someone I could barely hear the them over a baby crying and a woman talking about someone’s strawberry blonde hair.
Mt voice started to rise as tried to explain that all I wanted was to be shown how to make the entry. The rep took control of my screen, but did nothing. In the end I hung up in disgust.
The rep could have told me that the state entry is done in the federal section as I learned via google. Since the software would not then allow me to go back, I had to delete everything and this morning I will start from scratch.
I hope I don’t need a new pill Rx.
DIY software is very ‘klunky’ due to the interview questions. As Grant says below, there is a way to go directly to forms mode (if using the desktop package), but you run the risk of voiding the accuracy guarantee. They also warn that information may not flow to other necessary forms if you bypass the interview. I hope you got it right on your second try.
I have used TurboTax for a number of years and familiar with using it. I typically use the self guided approach instead of interview. In past years I had to enter multiple K1’s and this was very clunky and seemed to change significantly one year to the next and often led to minor corrections in Forms mode. I always run the check for accuracy multiple times and purchase the audit defense for peace of mind, small cost in the big picture.
I was struggling with a capital loss entry in TurboTax. I asked Gemini which quickly gave an answer. No joy. I asked again and Gemini asked for specific version of TurboTax and gave an updated response. No joy. Gemini then showed how to enter the data in “forms” mode and it worked like a charm. Took 5 minutes total.
But I was cursing 🤬 TurboTax and could have used a chill pill!
I never use the interview and go directly to forms mode.
?!! So glad you mentioned that I didn’t even know it was an option. I’m looking forward to trying it next tax season. Sort of.
The “chill pill” works great, but as a physical kind of guy I prefer a more hands-on approach: the humble shoulder shrug. Same result, no imaginary pharmaceuticals required. I do have to be careful during a serious market correction though — repetitive stress injury is no laughing matter. 😉
Repetitive stress syndrome brought on by the shrugging of shoulders is a listed possible side effect of the ‘chill pill’. I think your brilliant and dispassionate process of re-balancing at 15% is your personal chill pill.