Strain

Everyone is feeling it right now. Strain at work, at home, at school. We are pushing ourselves hard, and it is not easy. We are able to keep up with the pressure, most of the time, by envisioning that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. That sense that we are approaching our destination; accomplishing a goal.

How do we make each day feel like an accomplishment? That is the key to making sure you can be happy and content each night when you go to sleep, and refreshed each morning when you wake up. I am hoping to keep enough focus this year to accomplish all of my academic goals, without becoming ill from the stress, without letting the stress undermine my progress, and without losing sight through each quiz, each exam, each week, that I am approaching my end goal of my degree. My desire to get that degree is not just a matter of pursuing higher education, nor just a matter of making more money, but they are necessary components of building a life of independence. A life where I am able to take time to spend with my daughter and give her the gift of time with her mother. And, yes, money to do the things that I know she loves and bring her joy, dancing, singing, and being a creative spirit.

I am starting to organize in the next 3 days for a 2-year-long journey. That is my reminder, my focus, my dedication. That I will reach that goal no matter what!

Making the best...

People say, "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade." That's sometimes easier said than done, but one thing is certain: if you can make the effort to turn it around, then the rewards are both immediate in your mood, and long term in the change in demeanor of those around you when you have elevated your attitude.

In our busy and increasingly full (in terms of activities or obligations) lives we forget that we still have control over our lives. We feel like things happen TO us while we are just trying to go from A to B to C. Well, if we cannot stop a moment and realize how we are acting in our environment, we will only ever be swayed by it like a ship in a storm. But if, like a wise sailor, we know when to raise and when to lower our sails to make the most of the wind we can use that energy to our advantage. Without applying that wisdom, that sailor would never get to their destination. Likewise, if we choose when to allow that energy to fill our sails and when it may be too much and rip them from the masts, then we can be more successful and happier in life.