As humans, we all experience stress.
A demanding project. A family responsibility. A decision that matters.
Yet we’re often so busy disliking stress that we rarely pause to look at it.
Today, let’s look directly at stress.
Stress is a mismatch between the demands placed on you and your capacity to respond to those demands. You don’t yet have the external or internal resources you need.
This is hard!
I recently came across a quote that resonated deeply:
“Stress is part of the price we pay for living a life that matters.”
– Jennifer Taitz
If you live according to your core values, stress will show up.
This is good news! It means you’re living life true.
That’s the first re-frame for today: Look at stress as an indicator that you’re living a meaningful life.
If you chose to disconnect, not challenge yourself, or stay small, you might remove stress but you won’t experience growth, purpose, and joy.
Stress occurs, no getting around it, so how can we work with it?
Here are three things to try…
reframe the challenge
When you feel challenged by a work project, creative endeavor, or new caretaking role, it’s natural to think, “Can I do this?” Yet a more empowering reframe is “How can I do this?”
The reality is that you can take on the challenge (especially if it’s inline with your core values), you just need to brainstorm how you’ll do it. You could ask for help, get necessary training, or set boundaries.
You can do this—reflect on how.
shift “nervous” to “excited”
Fear and excitement feel similar in your body. Butterflies in the stomach, heart beating fast, tingling on the skin.
How you interpret these signals makes a difference.
Instead of thinking, “I’m nervous,” reframe it as “I’m excited!” Your body is doing what it needs to prepare you. Let the excitement inspire you to move forward.
use a simple Worry List
Worries can keep you up at night, so be proactive with your concerns.
Before bed, jot down three columns in your journal:
Worries – everything you’re thinking about
Next Steps – one small thing you can do
Good Things – any wins, big or small
This practice clears your mind and reminds you that you’ve got it covered.
Choose one of these practices to try this week. See what happens.
Stress will still arise. That’s part of living a life that matters.
Moving through it builds resilience and strength.
You can do this. Your work matters. Your life matters.
We need your light in this world.
Enjoy this 5-minute meditation to support your practice:
You can find more free, helpful guided meditations on my Meditation page to keep building calm and resilience every day.