Christ Community Church

by Jen Walsh on February 22, 2010

Secret 1: Recgonize the warning signs:

Some of the warning signs offered up are general discontentment, exhaustion, feeing depressed, aches and pains, lack of confidence, increase in bad habits, increased negative thinking, appetite or sleep changes, feeling weepy, worry, nervous habits, pitty parties, inability to make decisions and poor memory.

Wow . . .after reading that list I hit them all - some more often than others. I love the quote at the end of Secret #1`, "We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once." One day at a time, one step at a time. Just make sure to keep moving!

Secret #2: Isolate your specific Stressors:

Attached is a page that is a map shown on Page 61 to identify the stressors in your life. I encourage you to do this exercise and find where your sources of stress are. Don't think, just write!

Secret #3: Identify what you can and cannot control:

Sounds easier said that done to this recovering control freak! I've found that whenever I have to make a decision, purchase, etc., I ask myself, is this a Need or a Want. Is is a Want To or a Have To. Then, will this cause more stress, or ease my stress. Then, I make my decision from here. Not always do I make the choice that's most beneficial, but it makes me focus on my accountability to my stress level.

Secret #4: Developing Coping Mechanisms:

The coping mechanisms offerd up in this chapter are: close your eyes for a few moments, speak calmly to yourself, breathe deeply, sign, be still, create distance, sip a a cup of tea, allow a buffer in your schedule, look and feel your best, tune into your monthly cycle.

Again, I love the quote at the end of this chapter. If your cup is running over (except with love), maybe it's time to turn off the water.

Secret #5: Be a creative problem-solver:

This chapter is all about the difference between rational and insightful problem-solving. Focus on the problem and the desired outcome, talk to God - let him do the heavy lifting, see the good in all situations - even if it's only 1% of the situation. Focus on the good.

Secret #6: Problem solving in action:

There are a lot of common problems and creative solutions in this chapter. Again, many of these problems or worries are on my plate now or have been in the past. I've found this chapter very practical and helpful. I think one of my most creative solutions was to the stress of coming home from work after picking the kids (when they were WAY little) and not having time to switch gears. I begin changing into comfy clothes before I left work. What a HUGE differnce this made. By the time I got the kids' daycare, my mind was already switched. Find small ways to make big differences.

Next month (March 14th) we'll discuss Secrets 7 - 11

Secret #7: Practice healthy self-care

Secret #8: Rethink life balance

Secret #9: Simply your life

Secret #10: Get out of the fast lane

Secret #11: Get off the 24/7

These chapters will make a big difference. It's all about redefining your life and schedule to keep stress out and contentment in.