Stress. Put it down.

Are the Holidays stressful? YOU decide if thats acceptable.

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd 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 oz. to 20 oz.

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 stresses 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 long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything."

It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down”.

And so it goes as we often cling tightly to our little ball of stress and can't let go.  Can't put the glass down. The holidays are a time to celebrate your religion with family and friends. So why the stress?  I think it's importnat to remember the Holidays can be as stress free as you CHOOSE to make them. Everything on your "To Do List" was put there by YOU.  

"No" you say?  You didn't creat that list?  Then who did?  Your loved ones, society, family pressures, employer demands, etc, regardless of the source, you chose to put those people in your life. You have a choice. You don't have to execute every demand palced on you. You own the right to "put the glass down". So as the Holidays roll by chose instead to enjoy family and not fret over the perfect gift.  Choose to be relaxed and happy instead of frantic and tired. Choose to wear a smile instead of a furrowed brow. It's your life so live it however you like but stop from time to time and check to see if you are on course and headed in a direction you approve of. 

It is called the season of "JOY" for a reason. Make that your focus and put that on your To Do List. Have joy, seek peace and give thanks for all you have. Put the glass down, empty it out and refill it with good cheer. 

Peace