3 Things That I Alternately Tell Myself When I Am Stressed

Have you ever noticed what the universe constantly hand over to us along with the gifts of life every day? How I wish it's money but it's not. Problems. We can find problems every day, even with the most perfect situations. A new day brings new challenges (a.k.a. problems).

We had a problem sleeping, so we had a problem waking up early.

We did enjoy the sumptuous food but later on, we have problems with our weight.

We dreamed to have a big house, we got it, and later on, have problems with maintenance and dues.

Problems with kids, work, and traffic. Endless list.

Okay, tell me something, and I can give you a problem associated with it. These problems come in the constant stream every day. They can give us enormous stress if we fail to manage our thoughts. But don’t wish for problems to stay away because you are not someone special. We will be getting our fair share of problems, every day. Instead, change your thoughts when you encounter problems.

Here I will be sharing with you the 3 statements that I use when I talk to my worrisome self. These are so simple that you can do it right away:

Spoiler: Please manage your expectations as what I will share are so simple. But the effect on the mind is profound. Number 3 on the list never fails.

1. “Accept that life is unfair”

This is rather a cliche but telling myself that I can’t change the unfairness of life calms me every time.

It brings me a memory of my former boss-mentor who once told me not to dwell on negativity. When things don’t turn out as I wanted or when people are just BS - ignore, and move on.

She told me that life is unfair and I can’t change it. But I can change my thinking at the very moment. She said that whatever happens in the office, I have to remember that I have a husband and kids to go home to. And from that moment, I don’t give a damn about workplace stress. Office stresses are best left in the office. When days get rough, I simply look forward to going home. Now that I work from home, office stresses are best left on my laptop.

Life is unfair, sometimes you feel that it favors others. But did we ever noticed all the instances that the favor tilts upon us? The unfairness of life goes around, so graciously accept what’s comes to you. If you don’t like it, then simply move on. Life does not owe us anything.

2. “There’s nothing that can't be fixed”

I was fussing over my friend’s dress that she will use at my wedding. I kept asking if it fits and what can I do to help her fix it.

She told me to relax because “there is nothing that can’t be fixed”. She said that it's as simple as she undergoes dieting to slim a bit or ask a seamstress to adjust the dress.

That phrase was left with me and I use it until now. As long as we are alive, things can be fixed, by us, or by others. So as long as it can be fixed, then why worry?

3. “My problems are very small compared to the problems of the world”

This phrase is mine. I made this up when I and my colleague were worrying about the crash of Bitcoin because we have bought some at its peak. Our money has been reduced to 1/10th.

During that time, our boss was going through a tough time. Her niece whom she dearly loves is battling cancer and is dying.

I told my friend, that we are bitches and useless creatures of the world. Why don’t we just look around us? Someone is battling with cancer. Some would not have enough fare money to go home. Some would not even have food on their table. And us worrying about Bitcoin?

It’s very small compared to the problem of the world!

Now, when faced with daily irritants like the clogged sink or messy house, I know what to do. I just whisper to myself, “it is very small compared to the problems of the world” and all the stress is gone.

Closing thoughts:

In these uncertain times, with Covid-19 taking lives, wildfires in countries, exploding volcanoes, famine, and worldwide unemployment, do we have any right to complain about our trivial problems?

All we have to do is take care of ourselves so we won’t be adding to the already big problems in the world.

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This story was originally published by the author on Medium.com.