Words of Wisdom in Stressed-Out Times

Last week was a rough one in the Chadwick house -- we love the holidays, but there's no denying the extra layer of "gotta get it done" stress they bring. Normal routines have been disrupted and a blast of icy air that arrived this week -- coupled with days that get dark at 4 p.m. -- has made getting out for a walk next to impossible -- and I'm feeling it. Add to all this some unfolding drama in my 13-year-old's life and I'm ready to wave a white flag and scream, "I surrender."

As my daughter and I were chatting last night about all that's been happening, I remembered a brilliant bit of wisdom that my mother often spoke: "This too shall pass."

It's one of the simplest and wisest observations ever made, isn't it?

No matter what the problem, the stress, the worry or the bad feeling we're experiencing, it helps to remember that it's usually temporary. And as I told my daughter last night, tomorrow is literally a new day, with another chance to start over...to do what's right for us...and to make better choices. I may not have been able to get a walk in today, but I can get one in tomorrow.

If you're headed into the holidays worried about food temptations and an expanding waistline, know that in a couple of short weeks, those temptations will disappear and with renewed focus on moderation and balance, most likely so will any extra pounds. And if you're feeling bad about yourself and your body today, you may very well feel differently tomorrow.

Last week was an important reminder to me that try though I might, I can't control everything. And I can't always make things right for my kids, who have to learn to solve their own problems. But I can teach them -- and me -- that when things get off track, they can take a deep breath and start over.

So thanks, universe...I needed that.

Comments

[Alyssa]

So true, and so important to remember!

[Sagan]

Well said. We can keep going through it all!

[Dara Chadwick]

Thanks, Sagan and Alyssa. It helps to know others have been there :-)