THE SWORD AT OUR SIDE

To manage our stress requires that we focus on our stressors, right? Now that’s a dead giveaway that something's out of whack.

Why? 

For one thing ,the more mental space we give our worries, the more their negative nature conjures up anxiety in our thoughts and feelings. They are hungry little (and not so little) monsters that gobble up far more than their fair share of our precious life-loving energy.

Besides, what we focus on is what we become--AND, IN FACT, IS WHAT WE ARE IN THAT MOMENT! 

Many counsel us to identify our stressors, separate them from each other like children who egg each other on, and then go after them one on one. This is good--when we’re good and ready. But one thing comes first: joy management.

Joy management? Really? Sounds crazy! 

Well, maybe. (If the only time we focus on our joy is when we’re actually feeling it--for whatever random reason--as opposed to practicing being joyful because that’s the way we want to be.) 

But maybe not.  

Maybe “managing” our joy is the best way to manage our stress. First, let’s identify some of the things for which we feel joy at this very moment in our lives. Second, let’s separate these sources from each other so we can get in touch with at least some of the infinite number or reasons we have to be joyful. Third, let’s hold these joys up in front of us as we respond (not react) to our stress. Our joys are the perspective granting sword at our side--an infinite source of emotional strength and mental fortitude--we may not otherwise realize we have.

Maybe this is one reason Jesus was so big on joy, e.g. “I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)

TODAY.

LET’S GIVE THE WORLD & OURSELVES A GIFT.

LET’S MANAGE OUR JOY FIRST…THEN OUR STRESS.