Just breathe.
I keep reminding myself that the things that I am trying to accomplish will get done.
Just maybe not in quite the time frame I had originally planned.
It seems as if I have written quite a few posts about how to deal with stress. I don’t care who you are or where you are in your life —stress is just a part of living. How you and I approach it is what makes the difference between dealing with it and not dealing with it.
Today I found myself adding one more thing to my To Do list. It was something that was not vital to my life or anyone else’s life and yet I took it on because….
Because I did not want others to be disappointed.
But then I thought further about it and quite honestly the people that I was doing something for had no idea or expectation that I was going to do something special for them . So if I had not done it it really would not have mattered.
But it is me.
I always want to go above and beyond. To make sure everyone is “taken care of ” and feels loved and important.
Last weekend my dear husband made sure that I had a perfect birthday weekend. I was able to forget if even for a weekend all of the things that are weighing heavy on my heart. I slept. I spent some really nice time with him hiking. I ate some great food. I practiced what my sister calls “self care”. I felt really good.
I need to remember those moments from last weekend.
I need to breathe.
What about you? Are you feeling weighed down by just one more thing to do?
Tell me how YOU cope in the comments. All comments go for our May Comments for a Cause —click here to read more.
15 Comments
Leave a commentAs I have gotten older I have gotten a little better using the no word. I realized that it wasn’t good for me or anyone else to do things grudgingly.
Being able to say no is a really good thing sometimes and I do think that as I have gotten older it has been easier to say. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Bernadette. I always love your comments.
Agree! And I think it’s also important to respect other people’s No’s. Don’t coax or beg- No is a complete and acceptable answer. Have a great day!
I can completely understand — I’ve always wanted to try to do everything for everyone, too and want everyone to be happy. In fact, this crossed my mind just yesterday!
And you probably need to have more “me time/self care”. It is good to do things for other folks, but you have to do nice things for you too!
Exactly. I think we are very similar in a lot of ways and this is one of them. We are pleasers and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with that and I love to give to others sometimes I need to step back and realize that I can not do it all. Right now some beach time is helping me reset. Have a great day!
I am always stressing over something it seems. I think day trips help me and heading to Venice, Florida, Saying no or not allowing myself to be in situations that I know will make me uncomfortable works well too. Good Morning!
Good morning to you! Yes! I think it is okay to say no and we need to do it more often. Day trips are a great idea and a perfect way to unwind. Especially if there is a beach involved. 🙂
This year I’ve just been away from home more so it’s easier to say no.
That does make it easier! I also am very aware of a commitment. If I am not going to be able to honor the commitment I should say no. Traveling prevents me from doing a lot of things right now but it is worth it to be able to go when I need and want to go. 🙂
I don’t believe in stress. But I am sorry you have had a rough patch lately. Lots of people love you- onward!
I am trying very hard to get a grip on stress. For me I always seem to have more to do than is humanly possible. I thought it would be better now that I am retired but it seems to be worse. Most of it is my own fault, I realize. Walking the dog helps me cope. Self care is so important and I´m glad you had a wonderful birthday weekend. xo
I am sorry, Beth Ann, that you are feeling overwhelmed right now. But you realize that and that can make all the difference.
Here’s how I cope: I pray. I sometimes rant, rave and cry. I talk to friends and pastors and my dear sweet husband. I escape (like you did last weekend). I write. I rely on God.
Many hugs and much love!
Oh, believe me, there are a lot of us out here just like you. How do I cope? Prayer, prayer, prayer (with maybe a little bit of chocolate and definitely a cup of tea!).
I can so relate to this post…. I am a lot like you, and I say yes to everything for the same reasons. I hit the point of stress overload a few months back. I pretty much snapped. It wasn’t fun or pretty. But fortunately I started seeing someone amazing who is really helping me cope and prioritize everything…. HUGS
YES! Good for you! I really put it all on myself a lot of times and adding one more thing seems like it will work but I am learning slowly that I do have my limits. This weekend is for rest, relaxation, reevaluation and recovery! At the beach and in my happy spot! Hugs back at ya!