The number 4 symbolizes earthly reality, basic structure and orientation, and stability - think of the 4 seasons, 4 directions and 4 elements of earth, air, fire and water.  Traditionally this card symbolizes a need to withdraw oneself and recharge your batteries.  Swords represent reason, thought, logic, will, courage, verbal skill, matters pertaining to the mind and survival in the world and the element of air.  The 4 of Swords reversed can represent privately manifesting your philosophy; taking quiet action based on your attitudes, opinions, and beliefs; having internal conversations with parts of yourself.  The communication happening is not public.

Rest, restore, and recharge the batteries - that sounds good right about now.  Actually the sense I got looking at both these cards is that it's time to implement some daily meditation.  I know they help, I've done it enough to see some benefits.  I just don't stay with it.  Taking even 5 minutes a day to center myself often helps improve my mood for the rest of the day.  I know that, but I simply get lazy.  It's easier to sleep or just do nothing.  I feel like the boy in The Phantom Tollbooth - I'm stuck in the doldrums.  I need to regain my forward momentum.

I also think this card is reminding me that taking those few minutes every day to focus and center myself with make it easier to deal with any upcoming challenges or problems.  If I'm feeling centered and balanced, I'm less likely to loose my temper or become impatient with people.  Staying positive and upbeat will not only change my mental state but it will also allow me to be more polite and patient with the people I have to contact.  And, as the saying goes, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.  Vinegar can be funny with friends but it doesn't help when dealing with civil servants.

So if I take better care of myself, I'll be better able to deal with some of the current situations arising in my life.  Quite a simple concept that is often easier said than done but I'm going to give it a try.