So today there are no projects or recipes, just a little post from the heart. Would you believe behind this little blog sits a gal who is high strung, tends to let stress affect her physically and over-analyzes everything a little to much? Yep, that’s me. I kind of suck at stress management.
First, let me say that my shoulder surgery back in February really slowed me down — it forced me to stop and smell the roses (per say). Honestly, that was a blessing in disguise. I needed it. I was feeling overwhelmed, stressed and worried 95% of the time. I was working day and night.
As you can imagine, taking things easy felt sooooo good. Who knew? Therefore, I think I’ve already started down the path of making the weight of my stress a little lighter. It’s a journey…. my motto has been: play more, work less. Being my own boss allows me that flexibility.
Recently my sister shared a slideshow from Facebook that really hit home. It was a wonderful reminder about how holding on to things (worries, stress, etc) can actually paralyze us in so many ways. Years ago, I lived at the chiropractors due to stress. Allowing ‘things’ to immobilize us is scary, but very real.
Today, I hope you’re as inspired as I was. We live in a stressful society with innumerable responsibilities weighing us down. Sometimes we need a little nudge to remind us to keep things in perspective. Enjoy!
The stress and worries in life
are like that glass of water…
A psychologist taught a lesson on stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected to be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?”
Answers called out ranged from 8 ounces to 20 ounces.
She replied: “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”
She continued, “The stress and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day, you will feel paralyzed — incapable of doing anything.”
So, remember to put the glass down.
Isn’t that a wonderful illustration of how things can weigh us down? How do you cope with stress management? I hope you’re encouraged to put ‘the glass’ down, friends!
Cast all your anxiety on him
because he cares for you.
I Peter 5:7 (NIV)
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Michelle says
Great post, Kelly—I am a candidate for stress and anxiety and these are good reminders of how to cope. For me, I just try not to get mired down with everyday life and stress and focus on what is important in life as opposed to getting upset by the trivial. I try to remind myself to take one thing at a time and that everything will work out…it usually does. LOL Have a great stress-free day!!!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Michelle. I appreciate you stopping by…and your comment. It’s true that things normally do work out. If I could only embrace that concept at the moment when things feel the most “stressful”…I’m sure it would help. I’m living and learning – it’s what makes the journey exciting. 🙂 Have a great day. xo.
Lynn says
Thanks so much for sharing Kelly. Hearing from the heart of a blogger is refreshing and gives us, the readers a better sense of who you are as a person. 🙂 The illustration was wonderful as well. So well said. Blessings.
Kelly Rowe says
Aw, thanks so much Lynn! I really appreciate your kind words. 🙂 Have a great day! HUGS.
Jamie Moeckly says
Beautiful:) Thanks for sharing. I think there are so many of us trying to live up to standards that we think other people expect of us, when really we are just putting those high expectations on ourselves. Let’s let more joy into our lives together!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much for your comment! I really appreciate it. …and you’re right, we tend to set expectations based on “perceptions”. If we all come together, I think we’d be pleasantly surprised at the Joy that awaits us. 🙂 Have a wonderful day. HUGS.
Amy | Delineate Your Dwelling says
Ah, I loved this. Why are we always holding that glass! And thank you for sharing one of my favorite verses, too. xo
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Amy! …and how great is that verse, right? Have a FANTASTIC day!! xo.
Linda Crubaugh says
Hi Kelly, This was such a blessing to read as I so often feel paralyzed by anxiety. What a good illustration. Loved the verse too! Blessings to you sweet lady! LInda
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Linda! I really appreciate it. 🙂 Blessings you as well. HUGS!