Stress.
At work, it can be triggered by…
Long work hours
An unexpected, firm email from your boss
A call from a client pulling out due to budget cuts
Demanding or misaligned expectations
Deadlines
Many things can bring it on and some days it may seem like everything is playing a role. Is it just an inevitable part of work? Or life?
Now the bruise is a visual reminder that “I made a mistake.” That I did something “wrong.” As a righty, the soreness sharply reminds me of this every time I grasp my pen to write something down or pick something up to complete my daily tasks. It’s easy to focus on this outcome of my miscalculated exit out of the house. If I do, it brings me straight back to incorrect thinking.
You see, I used to think there was something inherently wrong with me as if I was broken at birth. I always strived to do better, to be better, and to seek validation and approval for my efforts…
One of the most prominent difficult feelings I was seeking to “rid” myself of when I began meditating was anger. Though I worked hard to suppress my anger as a child, I found myself experiencing anger like a volcano as time went on. I would swallow it, bottle it up, and store it until the pressure became too great, and then I would blow.
I have jumped out of an airplane at 14,000 feet.
I have walked down a slick fashion show runway in heels
and spoken to a crowd of 400+ people.
I have also rappelled down a cliff next to a 110-foot waterfall.
Each of these actions carry a certain level of risk. For a couple of these decisions that I made years ago, there is the obvious risk of death. A month ago if you asked me what kind of risks I’m taking in my every day life today, I would have replied, “None.”
