Thursday, January 20, 2011

Today's Stresses


Life sometimes crushes us. There isn’t enough time, not enough energy, not enough freedom, not enough downtime, not enough money. We feel overwhelmed with all we have to do and with everyone wanting something from us. All of that is amplified by the sure knowledge that nothing is going to change any time soon, if ever. But the truth of the matter is that almost all of those stresses exist internally. They may be fostered from external forces – from bosses and spouses and customers and friends – but every one of them reside inside our own minds and spirits.

The rescue comes from acknowledging that it IS all internal. We are saved from the stress by realizing that we are the ones who put the pressure on ourselves. We are released from it when we give ourselves permission to be.  We really DO have enough time (but, perhaps, we need to use it more efficiently). We DO have enough energy if we pace ourselves and get enough rest (TV is the biggest rest stealer). Unless we work 24/7 we DO have sufficient freedom and downtime. The key to overcoming the pressures of daily life is perspective. We need to realize that we aren’t responsible to keep the earth turning or the seasons changing or the rivers in their banks.

So take a deep breath. Don’t allow the stressors to win. Get perspective on life. Know what you can and what  you can’t do and how you are willing to live. Then live that way today.


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