When I pay attention, I clearly see the arresting ways God works in my life. Often people I meet in my programs (or elsewhere) give me such profound, relevant messages I know the hand of God is at work and it is to my peril to ignore such directives. Two such recent encounters helped release me from the bondage of undue stress.
In a recent workshop I facilitated I spoke with one woman at the day's end who looked sorely overwhelmed. As we spoke she began listing all she had to do today; all she had accomplished yesterday; and the endless list still needing to be done.
As I gently queried this bright, enthused woman she began to see she was doing too much. What really had to be done today? After a very full, all-day workshop could she just go home and give herself some down time and trust she'd accomplish what really needed to be done in good time? My parting words to her that night were "Easy does it."
As she left, I saw the gift she had given me. Hadn't I just been feeling overwhelmed with new work I had taken on, plus a host of other life decisions all seeming to demand my attention NOW?
What Really Needs to be Done Today?
Like this woman, I too was doing more in one day than necessary plus, worrying about all the future tasks to be done. As Jesus admonished us in the Beatitudes "Do not borrow trouble from tomorrow..."
If you are feeling pressured, overwhelmed and stressed ? it is time to stop and ask, "What really needs to be done today?" Also, "How much energy am I wasting worrying about the future?" We need to allow what we have done to be enough and to trust we have the time we need.
Unmanaged Stress Kills
Another client not long ago drove home the importance of managing stress in our lives. I approached this person one day after the program as he seemed withdrawn and resistant.
Sadly, this remarkably gifted man had lost all confidence in his talents to pursue a possible dream in design (although others remarked on the genius he'd applied to his own home). Near tears, he also revealed how he had nearly died from a chronic debilitating disease caused by extreme stress.
With chilling clarity, this man's demise and hopelessness showed me the dangers of eroding oneself with excessive worry, stress and self-doubt (which as humans we all slip into from time to time.) Loudly, this message spoke to me of the importance of managing stress, giving ourselves much needed breaks, trusting in the timing of things, and being on our own side.
Pressuring ourselves to do more or worrying about what must be done does not alleviate the underlying feelings of inadequacy and fear. Rather than pushing ourselves to do more or allowing negative self-talk to erode us can we instead sit a bit with ourselves?
Sit a Bit
This can be a challenge because often it is exactly these scary feelings and thoughts we are trying to escape! Try sitting and breathing and accepting this wholly human condition. Let us give our precious selves some kindness and compassion when these driven, crazy-making moments arise.
Breathing? Letting go? Trusting in a perfect timing?
As we sit with ourselves we need to do so without expectations. We don't have to get it right or achieve some special state. We simply practice kindness toward ourselves and acknowledge our uncomfortable or painful feelings.
Herein, old habits begin to dissolve of their own accord. Also, from this place we can more clearly make decision about what our true priorities are and put first things first.
In an interview with Mahatma Ghandi; Ghandi said he meditated two hours each day. The interviewer asked, "What do you do when you are too busy to meditate?" Gandhi replied, "Mediate four hours a day." Clearly, taking the time to sit with ourselves is a priority especially when we are far too busy or stressed to do so!
Teresa Proudlove has been inspiring, supporting, and guiding over 3000 people upon their career and life work path for over fourteen years - with compassion and heart. Teresa's workshops and writing, offer a deeper understanding and respect for ourselves, for others, and for our lifework path. This entrepreneurial woman also owned and successfully operated two women's retail boutiques for ten years. For over twelve years, Teresa was a well-read newspaper columnist. Visit Teresa at http://www.yourlifework.com; listen to your inner guidance and navigate through life and work with more meaning, acceptance and peace.
cheap limo service Lombard .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareFor those who are suffering from stress, just about the... Read More
Q. So many times in my life, I seem to... Read More
26 ways to minimize and manage the unhealthy effects of... Read More
On a beautiful summer day years ago, I went water... Read More
It has long been suggested that "music soothes the savage... Read More
Burt Reynolds revealed his vulnerable side when he realized he... Read More
The fall season signals a shift in most people's minds.... Read More
Make stress less of an issue for you in your... Read More
Preparing for sleep the night before is the place to... Read More
Workplace stress is on the rise and it's costing corporate... Read More
In these times when companies are constantly down-sizing and right-sizing... Read More
No this is not related to praying, this is how... Read More
1. Determine your "unique ability" and capitalize on itDelegate the... Read More
Life would be so wonderful if it weren't for other... Read More
With how busy we keep ourselves on a day to... Read More
In a recent CMA survey of 2251 physicians, over 45%... Read More
The day wasn't going well already. You know how it... Read More
I hope by reading this article you will see the... Read More
We all have it; we live with it daily: stress.... Read More
The World Health Organization calls stress "the health epidemic of... Read More
Why is it that some people become totally stressed when... Read More
In our article about Exercise & Stress, we looked at... Read More
This is the time for daydreaming about your annual vacation.... Read More
The moment I read the story I'm about to share... Read More
What do you do when you wake up in the... Read More
limo O'Hare Glen Ellyn ..Punch a pillowScream into a pillowTurn on your favorite music... Read More
1. Determine your "unique ability" and capitalize on itDelegate the... Read More
The Rule of BalanceThere is more to life than work.... Read More
Panic.Heart racing. Palms sweating. Breathing rapid and shallow. Mouth dry.... Read More
Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at... Read More
Are you feeling stressed out? Too many things to do,... Read More
There are many kinds of daily grinds. In the U.S.... Read More
With how busy we keep ourselves on a day to... Read More
Q. I've been told that I need to learn from... Read More
STRESS & TIME MANAGEMENT: Stress is either the source or... Read More
Probably the least appreciated form of stress is college stress.... Read More
Stressed? Relax Right Now with 5 Super-Simple Stress-BustersStressed-out? Don't know... Read More
Stress is normal. Stress is OK. Stress is the same... Read More
One of the dumbest things I have ever done is... Read More
"Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into... Read More
Q. I've suffered a few setbacks and disappointments in the... Read More
One question that is not asked enough by people under... Read More
There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good... Read More
Are You Too Stressed?Is your stomach all tied up in... Read More
Let's face it! The majority of our time is either... Read More
Many people go through the motions during Christmas. If not... Read More
David Bowie once sang, "Ch-ch-changes, tryin' to face the strain."And... Read More
I hear from many people that they see ever increasing... Read More
Stress is the nastiest 4 letter word you ever met.... Read More
I'm sure you have heard of IBS, irritable bowel syndrome,... Read More
Stress Management |