I have been loving the cooler temperatures over the past week! Cool mornings and warm afternoons are my happy place. I realize it is still summer, but fall is a few short days away and it brings so many of my favorite things: leaves changing colors, football, and the need for layers due to the changing temperatures throughout the day. The past couple of weeks have been extremely busy for me with work, Red Coater activities, and family visits. This week I want to dive into the reactions to pressure and chaos. I am committing to being transparent with you in my experiences.
How are diamonds formed? They are formed under heat and pressure, extreme pressure! The same heat and pressure that creates diamonds causes steel to cave and become flexible. The question is how do pressure and heat affect you? Over the past few months, I have discovered that I function well in chaos. Sometimes I function the best amid chaos and under pressure. That is my comfort zone. Sounds crazy, right? Growing up, life was hectic and crazy at times. I competed at horse shows and rodeos and played sports in junior high and high school. I was constantly under pressure, mainly self-imposed, to perform, compete and be successful. I learned to thrive with a tight schedule and high expectations, because that was the only choice I had (in my mind). I was a people pleaser and absolutely terrified of disappointing my parents, coaches, and teammates, not to mention that losing is not fun. I am not saying that any of this is bad, or you shouldn’t strive to win and do your best. I am saying that it has developed an unproductive habit in my adult years.
How has this become an unproductive habit in my life and what are some techniques that I am using to balance my reactions to pressure and calm? I am unable to relax when life and business are calm. Instead, this has become an anxiety inducing time in my life because it is not my “normal” state of being. Remember, I have learned to thrive in chaos, and calm is the opposite of chaos. In my mind, I do not feel successful or productive in times of calm, so how do I change that? I am so thankful to my support circle and the fact that my circle holds me accountable and helps me to continue to grow and become a more well-balanced person. For example, a couple weeks ago I found myself anxious and unsettled but didn’t know why. It was brought to my attention that life was running smoothly, and I therefore, needed to enjoy the calm and just chill out. How did I do that? I was brought back to the coping technique for when I experience a panic attack. Smell the fresh air, touch nature to help ground myself and talk to someone about what I am feeling and why I am feeling that way. In this case, there was no need to panic or have anxiety because business was good, I had the entire evening to enjoy a relaxing dinner and unwind because there was nothing demanding my immediate attention. My anxiety tells me that my to-do list is never ending, and I do not have time to enjoy life, because there is always something to do and to keep moving to stay ahead. Stay ahead of what? Sometimes I feel like I am constantly running a race to nowhere and against no one. Running just to run because it is what is familiar and where I thrive. I am a work in progress and learning that one step forward is more beneficial than running in place.
Harmony essential oil from Young Living is a blend created to promote harmony in all areas of your life and is a part of the great day protocol created by Young Living’s founder, D. Gary Young. This unique blend combines 17 essential oils, including frankincense and bergamot, which are 2 oils I use to soothe my skin and help center my mind and spirit. If you are interested in experiencing this blend or any of Young Living’s essential oils, contact me to schedule a time to meet. I welcome the opportunity to coach you in your wellness journey by exploring how YL products can enhance this journey!
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Have a blessed week y’all ~ Lacey