Stress & Anxiety, Hosted by Brenda

We can easily get out of it for sure and there are lots of ways to equal things out and discharge that energy.

After a massage, some also recommended that you soak in espom salts or apple cider vinegar. A cup will usually do. Massage will also free up the "trapped" energy in our bodies and the soaking (I think) is supposed to help pull it out and bring balance. Also helps with any soreness you may experience.

But if one of our massage therapists out there read this and want to make any corrections or additions, please feel free to do so.

Bogged down energy. Yep, I think so too, PJ. Some would say in the Eastern thought, that we feel "bogged down" because of resistance to what is and our judgment of it. Our attitude towards things can make a heap of difference.

Neat of you to make those connections about our sayings and clichés to this idea, Irene. Gives us a little more understanding of where these might have come from, huh?

Brenda

I have a theory that much of our stress is caused by bogged down energy. Walking, exercising, laughing, crying, all help to balance this energy out.

I have heard that this is why a bath with sea salt or Epson Salts for the bath works as well. The salt absorbs the excess leaving us feeling more "normal".

((((Oiseau and Brenda))))

Sabre

Ron and I often go to the park and walk. We don't concentrate so much on physical exercise as we do getting out in nature and discussing, as we walk, the things that are on our minds.

Sometimes something will be bothering one or both of us or we are trying to get clarity on something. Sometimes we need to vent.

But we always feel so much better after the walk and often do gain clarity or peace by just having walked and talked at the same time in Nature.

For us, it is a stress buster, a goal setter, a clarifier, and just down right enjoyable. ;)

Brenda

where mutual appreciation is manifest it would seem, then, I can honestly tell you that I aprreciate you BOTH! ha ha ha ha ha ha

Stress is when I'm all set to post with the mouse loaded, ready to paste an image or info and I can't get to where I wish to be, the discussion page just won't cooperate!

Anxiety 'cause I may give up and forget to come back! ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

The laughing at myself part I have invented so neither of these two things affect me for long!

It works too.......have a fun day - just smile*

Co-hosting with you enriches me.

Brenda

Hey that sounds good to me. I like the slogan that says: "To Thine Own Self Be True"

To me, that is where God lives, in my authentic self. I agree that living in the truth of who we are meant to be prevents stress.

It takes the grace of humility to accept that we do not have to be all things too all people. I know, I have a tendency be superwoman..yeah right! NO is a freeing word.!

Bren? Glad we are co-hosts.

Sabre

"To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could
anything be more fun?
--Katharine Graham

For me lately getting a better handle on what truly gets me juiced up, excited, turned on, and what doesn't, has been a real eye opener. Sorting through and making decisions on what I seem to be drawn to rather than what others may think is best for me or what the world/society as a whole holds up to be valuable and worth while.

The more I do that, the better I feel, the more relaxed I am, and the less stress. At least that stress that is induced by going against my own "grain".

My advice? Find what you are drawn to, leave alone what you don't have that same feeling about and then put your energies where your heart is. And last but not least, do it withou judging what you reject as bad. It just isn't your cup of tea.

Brenda

You all are invited to come to Homeward Bound Bar and Grill's first annual LUAU!

Tomorrow, Sunday, 5 pm PST.

It's going to be fantastic. Wear your grass skirt or Aloha shirt. Everyone gets a lei! We'll be whisked away to a secret location!!! So be on time!

Homeward Bound Bar & Grill .... and SPA!

Donna, your triumph is truly inspiring. I wish that there were more women who had the courage to get out of emotionally and physically abusive relationships like you did. I am an emergency room nurse and while I have been fortunate in my most recent assignment to not have to cope with a great deal of physically abused women, I do deal with a l;arge volume of women who have allowed themselves to be emotionally abused by men to the point that they find no value or joy in their lives. I see so many women come into the E.D. as suicide attempts because of the hopelessness that they feel. They are no longer able to rely on themselves as a solid source of motivation to go on. I feel so badly for these women and offer them what physical and emotional help that I can but it is a long road. It is also not an easy road, especially without any sort of support. Most of the women I meet at eork have cut off their relationship with their families over the same man that is now the source of their hopelessness.
Once again Donna, congratulations and keep on pushing to stay strong and healthy in all your relatioships.

Do you know we have a forum just for those who are living with or have lived with an ancoholic?

If you haven't, please share your story there as well. It could give a lot of people hope.

click here for forum.

Brenda

Hi Mary,

What a shock that must have been coming back to find your friend like that. You were indeed a friend to her having her wishes adheared to. Grief takes time to heal and you will get over it, and then you can remember all the loving times you had together. She is, I am sure, much happier now, not having any pain, and is at peace.
It's good that you shared this with us, and I will give you a big hug mentally, and hope that you know that you are not alone in this.

Anne

Wish I could give them in person.

When you have a moment, perhaps the end of the day, go have yourself a good cry. In the arms of someone who loves you and cares about you would be best but you can wrap yourself in the Loving Power that directs this universe and then have your cry. In this Loving Energy I and all those have ever grieved a loss in their entire life will be there with you to comfort you and to let you know it is okay to grieve.

Feel it however deeply you need to so that you can move out of the pain and move on.

Bless you for all that you do. Bless you for all the love you give. Bless you for being you.

Sending you all my love and support and loving thoughts,

Brenda

Right now I am going through a bit of stress in my life. I have been attending college on a regular basis since the beginning of March. In addition to that, I have had a friend who was going through a bad time, with cancer. I have been staying with her off and on since she got out of the hospital. Yesterday, I had an appointment, and was later getting back to her home, than I usually am when I go there. When I arrived, I found her lying on the couch, and was unable to get her to respond to me. I called 911, but, because she lives about 35 miles from town, they took time to come to her house.They finally arrived, and came in, and looked at her, and asked me how long she had been in this condition. Of course, I could not answer them, but I said, "here in a folder is a living will. Please will you look at it, and follow the instructions?" Her will stated that in case of collapse, she was not to be resuccitated. But, they took her immediately by ambulance to the nearest hospital, and I followed in the car. I got there, and went to the Emergency Station, and asked for any information on her. I was told that I could not find out anything, until after a doctor had been called. This I understood, so sat there and waited. Finally, after about 3 hours, a young man came into the waiting room, and asked if anyone was there on her behalf. I went over to him, and said "Yes, I was, and could I possibly have any information?" He then told me that they were unable to revive her, and according to her wishes, they did not proceed to do any more follow up procedures.My dear friend, whom I have known for almost 30 years, has passed away. I feel quite stressed out over it, because I did not think the end was so close. She had been fighting valiantly to stay alive, by doing so many things and trying to keep her spirits up. I also do volunteer work at a shelter for homeless, and because our Street Pastor has had a problem with his vehicle, I go there earlier in the mornings than usual. Today, I had to go there, as I had the keys to open up. I went, with a very heavy heart....and wanted to talk to him, but as usual, he was bombarded with questions, and with requests for help. I let it go....I did not want to bother him with my problems this morning. I just know though, that I wanted a bit of a hug.....and I know that sometime, possibly later today, I may be able to receive one, if I ask for it. Today is a busy day there, as being the Friday before our local assistance cheques come out, a roast beef dinner is being served, so this is the wrong day for Mary to need anything.....instead, Mary has to give of herself. I know though, that in giving we do receive, and I will go there, and do my part, because eventually, I will find the time on my own to do my own grieving and relieve my stress. I just had to share this.....I guess because I am alone....and just needed a little bit of a pick me up....and I know that my friend Pea Jay will read this, and say a wee prayer. God Bless you Pauline, for being my friend....thank you once again in advance for what you do. Hugsssssssss....Mary

Stress is stress and it is how we deal with it that counts. We can channel our excess energies. If not dealt with, then we have consequences.

Talking and walking is great. Music, reading, meditations, thinking it out, Epson Salt baths, massage, some of the tools I use to manage.

Thanks Bren..good luck with your new students

Sabre

Summer semester started back yesterday so after about 3 weeks of break, I had to dust off the old text book, and prepare to meet my new students. Very stressful.

I couldn't seem to access the things I needed yesterday on the computer and couldn't find my lecture notes, etc.

Then, too, remember the anxiety you used to experience when you were in grade school when you had to start back after the Summer? Well, that never seems to go away.

So I left here stressed to the max, trying to listen to my nice soothing music in the car, and taking deep breaths.

Once I started the class, that kind of stress went away....the kind you get being nervous or feeling unprepared or whatever. But then I was on....on stage and turned on both. That was fun stress but stress nevertheless. Glad no one was around to take my blood pressure. LOL

Afterward it was 7:30 p.m. but still light so met my hubby for a walk at our local park. Walk and talk. And that really helped to tone me down. All that energy had to go somewhere. LOL

"Good" stress/"Bad" stress. Stress is stress.

Think I will go get that massage this morning.

;)

Bren

I lovely thought to ponder*

"There is no greatness where there is not simplicity."

--Leo Tolstoy

How nice and yet simple.

And for heaven's sake, get better soon. My goodness. How long since you had a massage or Reiki or just an old-fashioned hands on healing? Leave no stone unturned. ;)

Love ya,

Brenda

I am having to learn to say no once again and/or ask for help. Yesterday and today I have been really tired and coughing more than before.

But, my parents' 60th wedding anniversary looms near and there is so much to do. Even finding addresses to send out announcement letters is a chore. Can you imagine? My daughter is busy until June 5th and my support system is unavailable this week. I need to keep looking. The celebration is July 9th so time is of the essence.

I feel better just having shared with you..

Take care all..See you later.

Sabre

All I need it courage and do what I can. And ask God to take over so that help comes my way.

1. Thou Shalt Not Be Perfect, Or Even Try To Be.

2. Thou Shalt Not Try To Be All Things To All People.

3. Thou Shalt Sometimes Leave Things Undone That Ought To Be Done.

4. Thou Shalt Not Spread Thyself Too Thinly.

5. Thou Shalt Learn To Say No.

6. Thou Shalt Schedule Time For Thyself And For Thy Supportive Network.

7. Thou Shalt Switch Off And Do Nothing Regularly.

8. Thou Shalt Be Boring, Untidy, Inelegant, And Unattractive At Times.

9. Thou Shalt Not Even Feel Guilty.

10. Especially, Thou Shalt Not Be Thine Own Worst Enemy But Be Thine Own
Best Friend.

---------- From: "Estella Marie Guth"