I am sure that you are all too familiar with this emotional state that is called stress.

Yet what if I could give you a definition of stress that might just change your understanding completely?

Before I do, let me warn you: you may not like this! But after REALLY thinking about it, I am sure you will come to the conclusion that there is a HUGE amount of truth in this statement.

Stress is the result of knowing what to do and not doing it Larry Winget.
(From his book: Shut Up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life).

Sound reasonable?

Well let’s think about it for a moment.
When you know what to do, but because of fear of the opinions of others, fear of the unknown and any other fear you don’t do it, what happens? You have caused a division in your being.

One part of you KNOWS what to do, the other part of you does not do it because of public pressure, fear of man, laziness, fear of finances etc. You are divided. Of course that will cause stress right?

Here is another thought:
Stress is also often caused by trying to control another person (especially one who won’t be controlled). It can even be because of trying to control a circumstance that is out of your hands. Of course worrying about it is not going to change it right?

So here we have two key words that describe attitudes that I am convinced cause a high percentage of the stress that is in this world today.

What are two of the top causes of stress?

In two simple words: disobedience and control.

Disobedience – ouch! Well if you know what to do and don’t do it, what is that called?

Control – yes all too many folk spend their lives trying to control everything and everyone around them. The cause of this? Insecurity.

So what is the solution to these two causes?
Disobedience - now what would the solution be to that one? Obey right? Just do what you know to do. Don’t allow yourself to be divided. It is your choice AND your responsibility to follow your own conscience – not someone else’s!

Control - the solution? Release! Let those around you live their lives and this will give YOU more time and space to live yours. Sound reasonable? Of course.

Can you control circumstances? Not all of them. Where a circumstance is the result of YOUR choices, yes of course you may be able to change that one.

If it has gone too far, you have learned a lesson and are in a good position to prevent future occurrences right? How?

By your words and your actions.

Live free of stress:
Conquer fear (that stops you from doing what you know to do).
Release others to live their lives, while you live yours.

May you choose to live a stress free life today!

P.S. I am sure you would enjoy reading some of Larry’s writing as much as I am, so here is one of his ebooks. Take a look right now.

Click on the image to find out more.