Enough Already!

Enough already by SIMPLE STEPS

Have to gotten to the point where you don't think that you can take one more problem?  You've had it with the drama but don't know how to extricate yourself without coming across as the "bad guy?"  Do you just want everyone to leave you alone so you can  have some peace? 

We tend to allow all this stress to build up around us.  That doesn't mean that we started it... but we sure to want it to end.  Sometimes it doesn't matter what we do or say someone, somewhere, is going to be unhappy with our choices and they are going to just give us a piece of their mind.

Have you found yourself in this place for far to long or far too often?  At the point of greatest frustration it is easy to lash out.  Doing do however only adds to the drama... and that isn't what you want.  This is the time where being happy needs to trump being right.

When you have had enough remember that the only thing that you can control is yourself... your actions, your words and your attitude.  Sure it may not be easy to put all these things in check when someone is hammering you... however if you choose the peaceful road... you will be glad that you did. 

Keep these Simple Steps in mind when you decide to make the choice to extricate yourself from the drama.

• Refuse to participate.  This does not require righteous indignation.  It is a simple as saying, "I just don't want to do this anymore."  You may say this to yourself or to someone else.  If it is someone that you are very close to add, "I love you and would like to work this out in a way that we show respect to each other."  

• Walk away from the fight.  Remember that you made the choice to not be part of what is going on.  Your decision doesn't mean that you no longer believe in yourself or your position.  You are just choosing to be confident in your decision and that doesn't require approval or agreement from another. 

• Recognize that another's position or opinion is their choice and they have a right to it.  Even if it is on the complete other end of the spectrum than yours is... it is their right to believe as they choose just as you have the same right.  Ask yourself what you can learn from it.  It may be that the lesson is that you don't ever want to think that way... or it may be that you can appreciate their view and leave it at agreeing to disagree.

However you decide to let go of whatever is causing the stress... you'll be in a better place just by making the decision.  Just keep in mind that there are no "once and done" efforts.  Maintain your decision to stay away from the drama and you're discover that your life takes on a whole new outlook... and it's a good one! 

Managing Life

This last month has been challenging for Jack & Me.  Between being the first holiday without my Dad, Jack's cancer treatment and deciding to relocate to Oregon sooner than later I've been running a little thin. 

Having so much stress at once is not ideal however that is life sometimes.  The question is how to deal with it, keep our sanity and a positive attitude.  I would like to say that I have mastered it... but I haven't.  What I have done is realize when my stress level starts to climb that it is time to deflect a little stress and take the time to play.

On some days it means taking CJ out to play Frisbee or a taking a walk around the block with Jack.  Other days it means turning off the phone and computer and reading a book.  Whatever I chose it's important to make it an activity that is just fun.  We deserve a break... so why not make it something that we enjoy!

If you find yourself experiencing too much stress try one of these Simple Steps and take a break:

• Bake cookies or another favorite treat.  The aroma of fresh baked cookies is soothing all by itself.  We can visualize all of the calories being baked out.

• Call the person who always makes you laugh.  Laughter is naturally relaxing and releases those feel good endorphins.

• Exercise.  Choose something non-competitive to burn off the stress. (And perhaps the cookies that you made earlier.)

• Meditate, practice Tai Chi, or yoga.

• Visualize.  Use this time to see yourself calm, relaxed and enjoying your life post stress.

If you are a good planner write down all the possible enjoyable options you can think of.  That way you are prepared when you need that break.

Stress is part of life.  Sometimes it can be too big a part.  When we recognize it and choose to give ourselves a break from it we are choosing to put our happiness first.  Sounds like a plan to me!