DROP THE GLASS

“Some people think it’s holding that makes one strong – sometimes it’s letting go.” - Unknown

 

It's true that you're a slave to whatever you submit to. And because we submit to them, we become cornered, unable to move or break free. We're usually, almost every time the cause of our problems.

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: ”How heavy is this glass of water?” Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz. She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.” She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”

The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll. Stress affects the mind, body, and behavior in many ways, and everyone experiences stress differently. Not only can overwhelming stress lead to serious mental and physical health problems, it can also take a toll on your relationships at home, work, and school.

It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. Don’t carry them through life. Remember to put the glass down!