INTRODUCTION

Stress and anxiety can come in camouflage or as U.F.O.s (Unidentified-Feeling Overwhelm) as told in this scene:

The breath she was holding, escaped in a long sigh. Time moved in a weird combination of slow motion – and jump-cuts. Minutes seemed to drag – while hours blazed past, with little to no real accomplishment.

The smallest task seemed an ordeal that required planning and organizing far beyond her ability. She was fatigued and defeated before she began. But, she had so many things she really wanted to do.

Unable to sit through a TV show without falling asleep – she lay wide-eyed in bed for hours, with thoughts spinning … sometimes until dawn.  She couldn’t define one single, specific cause. It seemed like a generalized condition.

Have you shared such an experience?

It’s been a full year of stressful events such as the Global Pandemic, Racial divisions and civil unrest, Election campaigns – contested results – and uneasy transition planning. We’ve been quarantined, isolated, and we’ve and watched our whole economy sag. Hardship and worry are plentiful. Many are cheering for the end of 2020.

No one knows what the future holds. Thank God we know who holds the future.

My writing goal is to encourage others with science, coping strategies, love, and laughter.

I’ve shared research about coping with depression and anxiety (old and new). I wonder if I could share from personal experience?  Would you find value in a story of trying to ‘walk the walk’ – while writing the ‘talk’?

THE PROBLEM

In a relatively short span of time, anniversaries of loss, family medical emergencies, legal stressors, and social obligations crowded my calendar.

I had been bending God’s ear about all of my ‘stuff’ and, because He hears, cares, and is with me – I could keep smiling (most of the time).

When asked how I was doing, I practiced denial like a fine art form. But, I started losing energy – and began to recognize my own symptoms.

Writing my book(s) doesn’t mean I must have all the answers (which is good – because I don’t).

I used the same coping strategies that I’ve been sharing, and maybe (if I could just lighten up, and tell it like it is), someone else might be encouraged.

SOLUTIONS

In 2 Corinthians 12:9 the apostle shares his experience and God’s assurance:

‘And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Our weakness becomes the perfect display for God’s strength, as He carries us through. When all we can do is ‘hang on’ – we are demonstrating God’s Grace in action. That’s a worthwhile accomplishment.

My coping cycle for that sad and anxious time went like this:

I recognized my symptoms, then said a quick prayer for wisdom and help – and used a deep, rhythmic breathing exercise.

Next: I took a mental step back. Rather than stating my feelings (I’m sad and defeated), as if they were facts — I re-phrased my experience: “I’m having thoughts that I’m too sad, overwhelmed, and under-qualified to accomplish what concerns me.”  

I gave my subconscious story a Title: “ ‘Wonder Woman Meets Old Mother Hubbard’.

In this imagined story-book, I’m the hero. I thought I should be able to handle everything – like Wonder Woman. But, I was afraid the cupboard — with my store of personal strength and attributes — would be bare.

Recognizing that my condition was part of a story I was telling myself – bought me some breathing space.

Was it fiction? Yes. I’m no hero, and I have never even come close to imagining that I would look like Wonder Woman in that costume!

With a more accurate perspective, I could see that I had misapplied God’s promise: ‘… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13

I had paraphrased that verse – thinking ‘… I should be able to do all things. Because Christ gave me strength, I should be ‘Wonder Woman’. The heroic character in the spangled tights is the star … Right?

What a relief to see the story for what it was. Just a story – actually a comedy, which earned the laugh that ‘Mother-Hubbard-Me’ was able to give it.

Thank God I’m not the Casting Director in the story of my life. The real ‘Star’ is much higher than I. I’m content to let the Master handle direction while I just act my ‘character’ part.

I can relax because ‘characters’ (unlike heroes) have quirks and foibles to add interest to the script. I have those in abundance.

Next, I engaged in coping strategies from the A.C.T. Therapy model (as described in my book). I was out of the tunnel and heading back into light. I wish you the same.

Quick Tips for coping:

• Get out into nature’s sights, and sounds.
• Drink water.
• Try deep breathing.
• Chew gum. The smell and taste, plus the rhythm of chewing, may help with relaxation. (Some believe it might even improve blood-flow to the brain.)
• SMILE. A big smile activates muscles around the eyes and mouth – and (believe it or not) may begin to change brain chemistry to reduce stress.
• Play the GLAD game. Find something to be glad about in your experiences – or lack of an experience. (For example: I’m glad I feel so good today – or – I’m glad I don’t have horrible pain in every part of my body today).
• Write your feelings.
• MOVE to music (Try PRAISE songs).
• Get Busy !

CONCLUSIONS

Learning from this experience, made it a ‘Blessing in Disguise’. I was reminded:

1) Stress can come in camouflage; or as a U.F.O. (Unidentified Feeling – Overload)

2) We need to be mindful – and honest with ourselves;

3) We can ask for heavenly help – the sooner the better;

4) Quick stress reducers are good to use;

5) We can implement self-help strategies from our choice of therapy models – and find them effective.

I am grateful to have jumped this hurdle. There will be others for me, and for you too. Here’s a bit of courage and comfort:

“ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Blessings, Love and Laughter to you,

Margaret

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