Joyfull Living

What a marvelous Monday to post on the blog! There are many things going on, Marriage Monday, At the Well and Motivate Me Monday. I'll have to choose to be a part of Motivate Me Monday since I am a stickler for encouragement, a new week and a new plan! Motivate Me Monday is hosted at Like A Warm Cup of Coffee and is designed to encourage others and share tips to redeem our time.

I've been pondering sharing on stress and the effects if can have on you. "Is your stress showing?" Last week happened to be one of those hectic weeks we all have from time to time. It seemed nothing could get accomplished, the more I tried to get done, the more there was to do. My mind was working overtime dwelling on what I could not get done and as a result, I was short tempered and irritable to everyone around me. Yes, my stress was showing!

When our stress shows, it not only affects us, it affects those around us. We tend to treat our family and friends differently, with less patience or with short answers. Thoughtful gestures are out as we just don't' have time to think of others. Last week I didn't like myself, and I'm sure that those I was around were not blessed by my behavior either!! But I gleaned a few lessons to help prepare for when those stressful days come again.

1. Pace Yourself: Looking at a week's worth of duties, work and obligations can sometimes be overwhelming. When it is too much to think about, just think about the next thing. Prioritize and finish one task completely and then move on to the next. By steadily moving, much can get done.
2. Indulge your Senses: When that stressful feeling comes, do something to soothe your senses. Whether it is soothing music to listen to, a scented candle to light, an aromatic lotion to use or a beautiful picture to look at, these things can calm our out of control senses and bring calmness.
3. Carry Yourself Purposefully: I don't' like looking like I am always in a hurry. My desire is for a calm demeanor which takes time to greet people and interact with them, not breeze by with a quick hello and give the impression I don't have time for them. Practice purposeful steps, walk slowly, breath deeply, smile at those you encounter. Upon greeting someone, say hello, and listen to their answer of the question "how are you?"
4. Be Distracted: At home I tend to get so focused on the things I have to do, when that call comes, "Mom, can you look at this"? it is easy to say, "just a minute." It is ok to take my focus off a task and go to what really matters,those who need my undivided attention and give them the attitude of caring, love and interest. Where you place your focus speaks loudly about what is important to you.

Now there will always be days when it seems you have nothing left to give. There is a beautiful verse in Isaiah that is pure refreshment to our souls: The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought. And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a well watered garden and a spring of water whose waters do not fail." Isaiah 58:11