Stress is no doubt a part of daily life. It comes to us in many different ways. The problem with stress is that it doesn’t do a good job of classifying problems. It is a feeling that comes over us but we often cannot differentiate whether the threat is real or imagined. Much like fear, much of what we stress over isn’t a real threat. To quote Seneca, “Our fears are more numerous than our dangers, we suffer more in our imagination than reality.”
So much of what keeps us up at night never actually comes to pass. We find ourselves in stressful moments and our imaginations run away from us. The problems become bigger and bigger in our minds until we can no longer look at them objectively. I have wasted so much precious energy in stress over things that didn’t even matter.
Remember, stress is a response your body and mind make when it feels threatened. Response is the key word here, it means we are in control. We have the ability, at any and all times, to respond differently. We do not have to chase stress down the rabbit trail and be taken under by it. We have the ability to step back, truly assess the situation, and approach it differently.
Sweet friends, do not let stress, fear or pain be the ruler of your life. Acknowledge it when it comes, but don’t react. Thoughtfully respond. Life is hard enough without us allowing our imaginations to take the reigns and run away with things. When you find yourself in stress – stay focused, stay in the moment and stay steady. One step at a time. Much love and lower stress levels sweet friends.
