I think I am officially stressed.
That may not sound unusual, but for me it is.
It is a rare event.
People ask me why I don’t stress, or how not to, and this is the speech I give them:
1. Stress doesn’t usually change the situation that is stressing you. Whether or not you are stressed, the situation is the same. So why do that to yourself? If stress will help the situation, then by all means stress your little heart out, but usually stress does not make it better; it makes it worse for you and those around you.
2. Stress is something we do to ourselves. It is what we tell ourselves. Instead of telling ourselves we’re stressed, what if we changed our self-talk? What if we said things like, I can do this, I can handle this, this is not that big of a deal? It would be so much kinder, more productive and easier on our adrenaline system.
3. You can only do what you can do right now. You cannot act in the future or for people you can't do anything about. You can only do what you can in the moment. With foresight for the future, deal only with present.
4. I believe God will give us strength, but not for unnecessary or excessive worry. I don’t personally have the energy to always be stressed, and it gives me a stomach ache.
5. This too shall pass, and probably some good will come of it. Have faith in God, in yourself, and in the process of life. It will be okay. If not, when the time comes, well, worry about it then.
So, why don’t I take my own advice?
1. The one thing that does stress me is to be asked to do something that I feel I don’t have the ability or talent to do, made worse when there's not enough time to work it out, and it has to be done in front of other people. I have several of those things on my plate right now.
2. Sometimes the demands of life and pressures of time really can be overwhelming. It's almost enough to turn me to chocolate.
But not to worry. I'm taking my own advice, doing what I can do, and having faith for the rest in its own due time. All is well.
Oh, one more thing:
There is a Helping Hand. Put your hand in His.
That is my best advice of all.
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4 comments:
I'm sorry you're feeling stressed. I tend to be like you and not worry too much because it doesn't change anything, but every now and again because of time and ability I feel incredibly tense and overwhelmed. It's most unpleasant. I have no doubt that you can do whatever it is you need to do, and will pray for your peace.
I have never heard this advice, at least not in so many words. I choose to be stressed. Though, funny I would read this post tonight- I was thinking a LOT during the sacrament today about how I want to do what is right, enjoy my life and follow the Savior. Not so much related and yet all going through my head. But the thought came to me that I spend too much time worrying about all the possibilities instead of just doing my best and being happy with that. So, thanks for sharing such good advice!
I'm glad you are taking your own advice, but what's up? I haven't heard from you for a while- can I help? Seriously. Call me if you have time. Otherwise, I'm thinking about you! Hoping things seem more manageable, since I know they won't go away! LOVE YOU!!
I'm not sure I've ever seen you stressed. Is there anything I can help you with? Your advice on stress is spot on. I'll definitely try to remember it next time I'm feeling stressed. One more thing I could add to it though; studies have shown stress contributes to weight gain, and not just any weight gain, but the horrible weight gain right around our middle that's so hard to get rid of! Just in case you needed one more reason not to stress. :) I love you!
Thank you all for your caring support! I don't have time to call or write, but suffice it to say it is the busiest season ever for work and church, and many changes going on at work. I love my friend and the brownies she left on my doorstep yesterday, but it's sad when they are my breakfast and dinner on a 12-hour day. I'll be in touch--sometime.
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