Your Stress Relief Minute
Stress Relief
– Not What Happens, But How We Handle It
On July 6th, Glenn Beck of the CNN Headline News had an interesting spot about an American soldier who recently lost both legs during his tour in Iraq. When asked— considering his physical condition—if he ever wanted to give up hope of being productive again, he replied with a definite “No.” Here in Edmonton, we also have a soldier who has lost both of his legs in Afghanistan. When he was asked the same question, he also answered with a definite “No.”
What makes the difference between those who face these formidable challenges and succeed, and those facing similar or even smaller ones who give up hope of ever being successful again?
During my nursing career and caring for a variety of patients, it never ceases to amaze me how differently each patient reacts and deals with their personal challenges. I have observed that many who become paralyzed first become understandably depressed, but amazingly bounce back to live a productive life. The same can be said of those who may suddenly lose their eyesight or face terminal illness and yet somehow find the inner strength to face the challenges.
We have very little control over what happens to us, whether it is an accident, an injury, or the loss of someone we care about. As I asked earlier, what makes the difference between those who deal successfully with tragedy and those who do not?
On thinking about this, I have come to my own conclusion. We all have a different personality, which in turn causes us to operate in our own unique way and to view the world in our own way. We are also the product of our upbringing and our coping mechanism will be impacted should we not have made a concerted effort to grow emotionally throughout the years. Also, if we have not been flexible in our acceptance of change throughout our lives, these types of challenges will be difficult to deal with.
Whenever we must confront unexpected challenges, whether large or small, I am convinced that it is possible to succeed if we learn to deal with them in a positive way. We can develop coping skills every day in preparation for the unexpected by daily practicing positive stress coping skills-by learning how to live “stress free.”
To learn more about how you can live stress free, whether dealing with your teenagers or with your own life issues, check out my stress CD’s.
Points to Ponder
One of the greatest of all principles is that men can do what they think they can do.
Norman Vincent Peale, 1898 – 1993
American writer and minister
They are able who think they are able.
Virgil, 70 - 19 BC
Roman poet
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
Renhold Niebuhr 1892 – 1971
American theologian
You feedback is welcome,
Till next time… “Nurse Audrey” signing off!
Questions/Comments: audrey@possibilitiesnetwork.com
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