Who Needs Stress?

Over the last few days I have been in such a good mood. I’ve noticed how cool and calm I’ve been. Making this transition has prompt me to ask myself this question. What the fuck took so long? Why did I let things that were beyond my control bother me?

My stress level has always been high for a younger person. In my mid-twenties my immune system shut down completely and I was diagnosed with Shingles. This infection is common among the elderly community but is a huge benefactor of stress. When people say that stress is a killer; they weren’t lying!

The Shingles was one of the most painful skin infections I have ever had. It was a U-shape line of scarring from the top of my back coming around the bottom of my breast. All this I endured because of me not being able to process stress properly. So your thinking what has changed?

The change I feel now is acceptance. Being overly stressed about things that are beyond you doesn’t solve the problem. In my case it just makes me sick. When I find myself getting overwhelmed I just breath first. Then I think about how I can change the situation to be less stressful. The most important thing is if their is no solution I just accept that and live my life accordingly.

Accepting is the most powerful part of stress relief for me. When I am so upset I am not focusing on solutions I am all about the problem. How can one really navigate properly when the direction is off? I’ve learned the value of calmness and the acceptance that literally shit happens.

When I first came to UAE I was overly stressed. I have never lived more than 4 hours away from my family. Being apart from my family and friends is a rough adjustment. The first few months of me being here all I did was cry about New Jersey. I longed for home but ultimately I had to change my focus. Why long or miss something you’re coming back to?

Why cry about people you’ll see again? Why spoil an experience of a lifetime by thinking it is your final destination? Basically I needed to change my attitude. I know what Jay and I’s plans are and they don’t end here. In the meantime I should be exploring. I should be a sponge and soak up all this education I can. I have an opportunity to embrace these foreign lands and food.

How many people get move to another country and really understand how others live? Not many in my circle. I have been blessed to be apart of this experience and I will never forget it. This new found freedom has awaken a beautiful part of my soul.

Waking up smiling everyday is heaven. Who needs to die?