But how could that be? I couldn't read the writing on the wall. So, my emotions got progressively more strained, and my body started bringing on physical symptoms to show me that my conflicted feelings were not getting resolved.
You see, I had just been offered the chance of a lifetime. It was the strong possibility of getting in a position where that I had eluded me at an earlier time in my life. I could be involved in a level of making policy and helping my community in the chance of a lifetime! Of COURSE I should be thrilled, but I had this "gut feeling" every time I thought about the possibility actually coming true. It wasn't a good feeling.
I tried to think it through, to consider if fear of failure was making me uncomfortable. I worked hard with all my powerful stress reduction techniques that normally worked so well. But then I finally realized something. I was pushing myself to do something that I didn't want to do. At this point in my life, I have different goals and aspirations. To take this other position would prevent me from moving forward in the direction that I REALLY wanted to pursue. As soon as I listened to my heart (which indeed, is my favorite stress relief technique) I heard the reason for my stress and realized the way the relieve my stress.
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Stress can perform a very important function. It is there to tell us something is wrong. It was telling me that I wasn't following my heart. Sure, I could take that offered position, but I would have been following the wrong path for what my needs are now.
Many people do take the wrong road, and end up relying on anxiety meds, drinking, drugs, or even do positive stress reduction techniques. But the most important lesson I have learned is: the best way to relieve stress is to make a decision that fits with your heart. You know it in your heart when you're going in the right direction, and your body won't be giving you painful reminders until you listen!
from the heart,
Lianda
