Archive for the ‘Stress’ Category
Step Back. Breathe. Be A Spectator.
Stress – The word that dominates the 21st century. At least that is how it might seem to many of us. Stress reaches out to all of us. It’s the string that wraps up our packages filled with family, jobs, home ownership, living conditions, financial obligations, and every other expectation we place on ourselves. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. When I look back at the things I’ve had to handle in my life I realize that my ability to handle stress has been challenged over and over again.
To give you a rough idea of some of the obstacles I’ve faced I’ll give you a quick synopsis of some of the life issues I am familiar with. I have been involved in the start of a new business three times. Consequently I am very familiar with the ins and outs of business ownership. Not a fun thing during, oh let’s see now, three recessions. I have a family. I have owned two homes in my lifetime. I have moved eight times since I married. I have family members who live clear across the country which makes it very hard to be a part of their lives. Holidays can really suck sometimes. I decided to go to college at an age that was not exactly the demographic you think of for college. Consequently I am still paying off my student loans. I think that paints a picture of where I’ve been and some of what I’ve been through. Happy times – YES! Some sad and very stressful times, unfortunately – YES to that too.
There have been times along the way when I honestly didn’t know how I’d make it through to the other side. I went on a journey – reading all sorts of books. Studying different religions and philosophies. I guess you could say I was on a quest to find my center. A place I could go to under all circumstances that would allow me to escape what was going on at that moment and give me the perspective to move forward with deliberate thought and a plan of action. I know that sounds like a long process. Probably sounds like a bunch of hooey to some of you too. I’m not talking about embracing a monumental shift in any of your philosophical or religious dogma. It is a way to escape everything for a split second. It is a way that allows you to refocus on what is truly important. A triage, if you will, to put everything in its proper place of importance and urgency.
Three steps: Step Back. Breathe. Be A Spectator.
