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 I approached this person one day after the program as he seemed withdrawn and resistant.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.
Twin Lakes rental limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HarePositive self-esteem is very important for our general health and... Read More
Is your stress level higher than it should be? Are... Read More
Most humans experience unexpected setbacks which can cause huge stress... Read More
It has long been suggested that "music soothes the savage... Read More
"Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into... Read More
Many of my readers write to me about the tensions... Read More
Have you ever noticed how we keep falling into the... Read More
The best way to reduce your stress is to really... Read More
Punch a pillowScream into a pillowTurn on your favorite music... Read More
Life is funny.Throughout the day, there are plenty of humorous... Read More
Conceptualizing stress: Stress often has a negative connotation. Failure, illnesses,... Read More
Modern stress is habitual, and is something that the vast... Read More
In a recent CMA survey of 2251 physicians, over 45%... Read More
Everybody deals with fear and anxiety, however some people have... Read More
To combat modern day stressors, you need to realize that... Read More
Ask a hundred different people how to deal with stress... Read More
Q. I have just recently come to recognize that I... Read More
Have you ever considered sewing a handbag as an act... Read More
There are times in every person's life when things do... Read More
Do you have the desire for a stress free life?... Read More
Raise your hand if you have ever been rejected by... Read More
Learn to have healthy relationships:This subject could fill an entire... Read More
You probably think I'm wacko, but it's true - stress... Read More
Stress and anxiety can prematurely age our mind and body.... Read More
Today's workplace produces plenty of stress. Life's little hassles mount... Read More
West Dundee Lincoln Stretch limo rentals ..Part 1: Recognize the importance of family stress managementJoe and... Read More
Learn to have healthy relationships:This subject could fill an entire... Read More
Raise your hand if you have ever been rejected by... Read More
Recently the well known American news anchor Peter Jennings died... Read More
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour... Read More
The United Nations declares workplace stress to be a worldwide... Read More
Did you ever feel like your "get-up-and-go" got up and... Read More
One of the best ways to relieve yourself from the... Read More
What part of no don't you understand? - Bumper stickerThe... Read More
The number one most popular issue that users of a... Read More
Stress is normal. Stress is OK. Stress is the same... Read More
It's summertime and chances are you can remember a summer... Read More
Of all the forms of stress in today's world, computer... Read More
This summer, get away, without going away. Take a mini... Read More
As Montaigne said, "he who fears he will suffer, already... Read More
Feeling stressed out lately? Don't worry, there is a simple... Read More
The pace of life seems to quicken every year. More... Read More
I had the unpleasant experience of being pulled over the... Read More
Punch a pillowScream into a pillowTurn on your favorite music... Read More
Stress. The word brings to mind many different definitions doesn't... Read More
Among the hardest parts of living in the modern world... Read More
Q: We recently had someone come to our company to... Read More
Q: "My career, though very very stressful, is one that... Read More
Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at... Read More
Burt Reynolds revealed his vulnerable side when he realized he... Read More
Stress Management |