A Life of Simple JoyReducing stress, increasing joy one post at a time!

TIME: A passage in the Bible tells us there is a time for everything. This includes the way you react to difficult times. When things get tough, some people freeze like a deer in headlights. Other people run around like crazy. So, some do nothing while others try to do ANYTHING! Whatever you are doing, if you have been doing it for an extended time and it is an extreme reaction, it may be time to change tactics. If you have become so depressed by your situation that all you are able to do is sit there taking no action, you need to MOVE! Now, this doesn’t mean rushing around like crazy. Instead, you need to clear your mind and consider your options. Believe it or not, you do have options. You have options even in the most severe situations. This is where your ingenuity comes into play. Calm yourself and think. If necessary, pretend it is someone else’s problem, then apply your imagination to solving the problem. Sometimes, it is necessary to remove yourself from the situation, take a step back to allow you to calmly and rationally develop a plan of action.

What if you are running around like crazy, trying everything, with nothing working out for you? Well, you need to do the exact same thing I said above. You must take a breath, calm your fears and THINK! Begin using logic rather than emotion. All the action you have been taking is just wearing you down. It is also wearing your family down. It may take shutting down for awhile to give you a new perspective on the situation. I often use this when I have become overwhelmed with my work. Granted, I don’t have small children so it makes is easier for me to lock myself away. However, you can find ways to take time away from it all. Even if you just go to bed early one night, it may be just the break you need to clear your mind and approach your problems anew. When thinks become too much, talk to your spouse and arrange a break. Explain why you need it. You should be able to work out a plan that gives you the break you need.
Time is a valuable tool for you during difficult times. Use it wisely and to your advantage.