Positively Erin Marie

When I was working in the hospital several years ago, I had a patient who said to me, “You are so blessed and you have an amazing life ahead of you.”  Such simple, honest words coming from someone in the midst of a struggle.  Sometimes it takes an outside perspective on your life for you to realize, “I really am blessed, aren’t I?”  Just like that I went from feeling so stressed and overwhelmed with what was going on in my life at that moment to realizing how blessed I was to be living the life I am.  I’m surrounded by supportive and loving family and friends, I have an incredibly supportive and understanding husband, and I have 3 amazing children who love me and need me.  What am I stressing out over?  The future…things I can’t control right now.  I decided right then to make a daily effort to appreciate what I have, leave everything in God’s hands, and enjoy the moment and the process of achieving my goals and dreams instead of stressing over how I’m going to get there and what my next step is.  And you know what?  I felt instantly better.  Sometimes it’s a daily struggle for me, but when you choose to find the silver lining in the most trying of circumstances…don’t get me wrong, sometimes you have to look hard…so much stress can be lifted off you.  Are you stressing out friends?  Then stop and ask yourself: Why?  Is it really worth it? What is stressing out over this going to accomplish? If the answer to the last question is “nothing” than I urge you to take another look at why you’re stressing.

Stress is normal in life…unfortunately. But take it from me…someone who has gone through a whole host of physical problems due to letting the stress in my life control me…it’s not worth it. Find some way to relieve stress; whether it’s taking a deep breath, turning on a calming app that walks you through guided imagery, praying, singing, spending time with your family, taking a walk outside, crafting, reading, working out, playing a sport, gardening, whatever it may be…find that one thing that works for you (or maybe it’s all of the above!) and make time for yourself to do it. You are worth the effort.

Until next time friends!