Happy New Month!
Often my resolutions are forward-facing: I want to improve something or accomplish something new. Sometimes I want to try new things or run experiments. But this month, it’s a different theme – I want to fix something.
For years, I’ve valued “low stress” as a lifestyle virtue. I’ve crafted my life in such a way as to prevent stress in most cases; I’d rather be relaxed and have less of something than trade too much stress for a little more. Zero stress is impossible, but low is very nice.
While I still believe in that virtue, I realize now that it’s somewhat weakened my ability to deal with a lot of stress when it comes. I can handle a crisis very well, but I’m not often present for my personal relationships in a way that I like while I’m doing so. My “crisis mode” is effective, but doesn’t tend to leave a lot of room for kindness and support.
So that’s what I want to fix. I want to embrace my stress differently this month. I want to share it with the people who have offered to help, I want to make sure I’m still taking the time to show love to important people in my life, and I want to take care of myself a little better while doing so.
May your life be, if not low-stress, at least well-supported!
The Opportunity Machine 