If you are stressed, read this blog

Sitting in the Wal-Mart parking lot last night with my son, I noticed a woman pushing a carriage returning to her older compact car. When she got within five feet she started talking loudly and waving her arms. Inside the car sat a teen-age boy and a dog. The teen quickly moved out of the driver’s side to help as she continued talking louder, getting more animated. I couldn’t make out every word, but suspect she was at least partly upset about finances because I heard her say “I don’t have the money” twice and “I don’t know what I am going to do.” She pushed the teen away when he tried to help, threw the bags in the back seat and continued ranting. She slammed the door, got in the driver’s side and sped off.
My son called her a freak. Although I didn't agree with how she handled the situation, I felt sorry for her.

If you read this blog regularly, you may remember I listen to a lot of audio books on self-improvement. The current one (I’ll supply the title and author if anyone is interested) emphasizes finding success within and not looking for it in your bank account, job title or other material things. It also makes the point that in difficult times you have to recharge your batteries regularly. Because of the economy, a lot of people are spending more time working and worrying. This is admirable and may seem necessary, but it’s not healthy.

Here is a small piece of advice from the book I’m listening to now. If you dread getting out of bed most days, think of the last time you were really excited to start the day. The time you just couldn’t wait to get up and get at it. Think of what you did that particular day and then plan a similar day. This is not going to permanently solve difficult financial or personal problems. But it will bring you some relief. From that relief, may spring a different approach to each day. Solutions don’t come through constant worrying. They come from inner peace.

Let me know what you think.