Dec 29 - Is stress affecting your judgment? Is stress affecting your judgment or making you question things that you once appreciated or valued? The impact of stress on your well-being physically, emotionally, and mentally can cause doubt and confusion that is oftentimes displaced in ways you may not even realize. What was once valued and appreciated, you allow stress to distort, causing you to rationalize that even the good things in your life are not as good as you thought. What was once a source of confidence for you becomes infiltrated with doubt, causing you to question what you are doing and why you are doing it.
Instead of allowing stress to take control of your well-being, take charge of your well-being by putting your stressors into perspective. Don’t let what has been good and valuable be tainted by stress. Allow these things to help you overcome and take charge of your stress.
Take an MM&I Moment to awaken yourself to the true triggers of the stress that you are feeling. Typically, stress happens because of what was unexpected or unanticipated. If it is financial stress, what was unexpected that is causing you more financial difficulty? If it is relationship-oriented stress, what initial situation occurred that was unexpected? If it is work-related stress, what unexpectedly changed? Now think back to just prior to any of these trigger points. What was happening that you were excited about? What was occurring that you valued and were truly grateful to have in your life? Who have you been grateful to have in your life or work? If you have lost sight of the good things, or even allowed your stress to negatively impact these positive areas of your life, take this to heart and take action. Reach out and embrace the good in your life in people, activities, and opportunities to help you refocus. You will be surprised how this will help you conquer your stress as you move confidently forward. The good in your life is all around you. Gratitude will empower you to see it.
Wide Awake Quote of the Week
“Our greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
– William James
Yours in dreaming WIDE awake,
Sherre'
P.S. As a special gift to you, enjoy this poem entitled “Little Things,” which I wrote over two decades ago when I was feeling the stress of life and needed to remind myself of the simple things in life. Enjoy! Feel free to print out, share with others, and post to a nearby bulletin board or your refrigerator. It is intentionally three-up for sharing!