Anxiety and Stress is a constant work in progress for me. That is my “status update”!

I was enjoying brunch with some friends this morning.  One of my friends raised a great question about Facebook, “is it a true reality of people’s lives??”  For example people never post as a status update, “I want to divorce my husband”, “I can’t stand my mother”, “I’m struggling with depression”, “My child is driving me crazy and I wish I never had him”, “I’m broke and can’t afford my house payment”, “I feel lonely and I don’t have anyone to help me”, “I’m 20K in credit card debt”, so I was driving home…and it hit me!!! No, Facebook is not a “TRUE” reality of people’s lives.  For the most part we only see the outside, but you never really see what’s truly going on.  What’s wrong with being REAL and letting people know the truth every now and then.  We are all humans, we all make mistakes, we all need encouragement and for the most part we all just need to know that we are loved and that life can and will get better!!!

Recently, I had an anxiety set back.  I had a small anxiety attack.  I was ashamed, embarrassed and afraid.  Here I was writing a blog, and letting everyone know “how to prevent stress” and I started down the same path.  I thought “why is this happening to me all over again”! Then I realized…it’s me!! My old ways were starting to creep back in, the temptation of success started to slowly work itself back into my life.  I needed to get control.  "All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied." (Ecc. 6:7). This verse means we ALWAYS want more. We work ourselves like dogs…for what? We only as humans crave more! Unless you have something to put your faith into and for me that is Jesus Christ, you will ALWAYS want more.  I had to re-group, re-focus- and re-prioritize, again. 

We all have baggage that we would like to unload, unpack, dismiss, and get rid of.  It’s just what type of baggage we put in our backpack.  Regardless of what type of baggage it might be, the answer is ALWAYS the same.  "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2  

I was tested and tempted recently.  I may have failed, but I know what ever was meant to harm, God can turn to good!  Your path may not always be easy; in fact it might be downright impossible. So, take a moment to think about this next statement. Who we are under pressure reveals who we really are.  Who are you???  

Anxiety and Stress is a constant work in progress for me.  That is my “status update”!

Stress is an epidemic in this society!

How do you prevent the silent killer? Stress is an epidemic in this society.  In prior blog posts I outlined exactly how my nervous breakdown happened if you have not read those entries I encourage you do so.  I want to share now what I’m doing to prevent stress from creeping back into my life.  First and foremost I sought God.  Second, I educated myself on the signs and symptoms and cure.  I took control back over my life.  I was not going to let stress control me.  The first book I read to help outline the changes I need in my life was “Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life”. It gave me a great perspective on what I needed to relinquish control on and give up.  For me it was control of every situation and always striving for more in every aspect in my life that got me into my mess.  Not trusting others to help, which meant I had to take on more.  I went through every aspect of my life and cut out everything that was NOT necessary. I defined my role as a sales manager, photographer, wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter and most importantly a Christian and cut out EVERYTHING that was outside of my duties as those listed.  I encourage you to do that…define your roles in life and stay within it. I’m happy to report that setting boundaries and staying within my defined roles has worked out perfectly!!! Other stress reducers for me became putting exercise as a priority, cutting out caffeine, and spiritual meditation. I also saw a qualified Christian counselor for 5 weeks. 

I do hope for a day that I can be off my medication and with God on my side I’m confident that day will come.  My goal of this blog is to raise awareness of the severity of stress and the stronghold it can have on your life if you let it. We all have weakness, struggles, issues and trials in fact it’s the only way Satin can do his work on this earth.  When you realize that…it makes you understand why bad things happen to good people. 

Bad circumstances may be used by God to display His power and grace.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. ⁹ But he said to me “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me
2 Corinthians 12:8–10

I’m boasting about my weaknesses so you can see God's amazing Glory!!!