I Know...

Stress. It’s a known fact of life. Everyone has to deal with it. 

It hollows you out and fills the empty husk with toxic sludge. It cracks a door for its cousins; guilt and fear. Stress opens a window to let in the chill air of depression. It cuts you down to nothing and makes you feel useless.

You do what you can to beat it back and hold it at bay, but it wears you out and robs you of sleep. And when it allows you to sleep it brings you visions of despair and hideous nightmares.

It feeds on your spirit and makes you feel weak. More often than not, by the time you realize what it has done to you, the recovery appears like Everest. You know it can be done and others before you have reached the peak. Stress whispers in your ear doubts and what-ifs. Finally something inside snaps and you break through.

A spark. A tiny hungry flame inside you ignites. You realize that the voice telling you this is an insurmountable task is the stress. It’s afraid. All its hard work has turned on it. A warm breeze blows, bringing the scent warm sun, grass, and that earthy smell of spring.

It’s not easy, but you find the strength. You struggle. Somehow, that flame is now an inferno. You burn your way out of the rut. With a fiery desire you turn the stress into action and planning. You are the stronger of the two.

Let go.

You can achieve it all if you just let go.

Remind me to read this next time. There is always a next time. I am sure some times will be bigger and harder than others, but this will always be a constant.