Thank you, Stress

Stress. We all experience because it's part of life. But there are different kinds of stress, eustress and distress. The first kind is the good kind and it makes us alive and able to keep on living. I felt stressed after a busy week of various things going on. My mind felt like it was racing and like I was on a roller coaster with timing and deadlines floundering in my head. I decided for yesterday to be low key and relaxing with very few commitments and places to go. Being at home re energizes me  and gives me space to relax and process things.

I decided to go on a  run and being in nature since that always uplifts the spirit, mind and soul. After a nice run, I just wanted to sit on the grass and watch the clouds pass by and be more aware of my beautiful surroundings. The trees are slightly fading into oranges and reds and the coolness of the air tastes like pumpkin spice and autumn looming around the corner. I could finally breathe deeply and literally take in the beauty of nature and 'smell the roses' as they say.

I watched a video from Fr. Mike Schmitz about how stress is actually good for us because it keeps us energized and alive. Stress is something that we should challenge on instead of trying to avoid he says, instead of just trying to get something done and over with. That's how I've been feeling lately and how I've been handling stress for the most part. Stress is good for us and it's a natural part of life.

I remember a year ago today attempting at going on a faraway hike with my sister and meeting up with another group there. We didn't manage to make it to the hike because we were seriously lost, frustrated, tired, and dare I say stressed. We arrived safely home after a disappointing turn of events and then decided to go back in nature on a local hike to calm the air and the fumes.

In the car, trying to figure out how to get home. Frustration, as well as laughs while eating our bagged lunch at a gas station.

On a relaxing, local walk :)

Here are some pictures from this week that lifted my spirit and energized my creative soul.

At my alma mater, and the place I would always go- the library!

I have learned that stress is quite needed and should be looked upon with gratitude, excitement and energy. Stress makes life interesting, I guess. So thank you, stress!