Keeping Perspective When Stressed

Keeping Perspective When Stressed

Whenever I hear that my “expertise” is needed as a problem solver I immediately presume that whatever I am about to face will be challenging and stressful. And usually, I am correct.

Additionally, when my spousal unit becomes irritable for no apparent reason, I realize for my peace of mind and body, it is essential that I try to practice my mental Tai Chi. Sometimes I am able to practice yoga, which is mentally and physically healing. At other times, I must focus on my attitude. I cannot control the actions, words, motives or inactions of others.  But I can control my reactions to the outside stimulus.

If I am at work and my “expertise” is requested, I will dive in. My challenge in those instances is to avoid letting my ego take control so that I become obsessed trying to be a hero and fix it masterfully immediately.  I cause myself to wake up in the middle of the night, with my acid reflux churning, and deciding that it makes since to log onto my work site at 4:00am.  This is a sign that intervention is needed.

Fortunately, I have subscribed to a year of reminders to keep me aware of tools I can use to deal with stressors and seek balance in my work and private lives.

Reminders:

·      I have no control over other people, places and things;

·      It is not about me;

·      My husband or boss must be having a bad day;

·      I work to live; I do not live to work;

·      Life isn’t always fair, but it sure beats the alternative;

·      Yes, I make mistakes; but I do the best I can with the tools I have at the time;

·      If it doesn’t get done today, there is always tomorrow or next week;

·      I am not a brain surgeon, a cardiologist, and EMT, or a soldier; what I do at home or at work is not life or death;

·      If I forget something, it is not the end of the world (so far);

·      I have gratitude for my husband (even when he is grumpy) and appreciate my job – even though every day is not a bed of roses.

·      I would rather bat cleanup that be pulled from the line up! I am grateful my employer appreciates my particular set of skills – as esoteric as they may at times be.

So, those are my pearls of wisdom for the evening. Now to go soothe my grumpy savage beast.