Just Dance

I have recently been under a lot of stress, and it has taken its toll on my health. It made me think about how pointless it is to stress about things that are out of my control. Stressing about it will not make it go away, nor make it easier. In fact, the stress makes it harder. The more anxious I get, the more difficult it is to deal with the situation.

People tend to tell you “don’t stress” or “stop stressing”, but it is often easier said than done. No-one on this earth can possibly understand or comprehend what you are going through. Stress and anxiety are basic human reactions to painful, unwanted or uncomfortable situations. If this is a reality, then how do we overcome stress?

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James

William James said that we can fight stress by choosing one thought over another. We can choose to think about other things, force ourselves not to dwell on that which makes us weary, anxious, stressed, depressed or angry.

Instead of being angry or anxious about the approaching storm, rather be excited that you will get to smell the rain. Instead of stressing about being stuck in traffic, appreciate the beauty around you, or sing along to that golden oldie playing on your car radio.

“The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about these circumstances.” – Andrew Bernstein

I salute Andrew Bernstein for exposing the real reason for stress. The root cause of our stress does not lie in events or bad circumstances, but in our reaction to them. We must all realise that we are living in the present. It’s not about yesterday or tomorrow, but now. Therefore, stressing about yesterday or tomorrow is pointless. By stressing about days to come or days that have passed, you are deliberately letting your life pass you by, without living the life that you deserve.

We were not placed upon this earth to stress, or to be angered, sad or anxious. Yes, being human means that every so often we might experience these emotions, but we should not allow them to define us.

“Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There’s going to be stress in life, but it’s your choice whether you let it affect you or not.” – Valerie Bertinelli

Today I challenge you to forget about your problems, and focus on the positive aspects of life. Do not worry about what will come or what has gone. Today is a beautiful day. Feel the sunshine, feel the rain, listen to the sound of the ocean and listen to the sound of the birds in the garden. Throw your hands up in the air and just dance!

T*