Remembering how strong we really are

Lately I've been thinking about how strong we are. Sometimes we forget-- especially if  facing an illness, unemployment, horrible bosses, unruly children, overdue bills, crumbling relationships, a busted boiler, leaky plumbing or whatever the challenge of the moment might be. Sometimes we feel like our heads will explode from the stress.

But I recently thought about our ancestors. Our inner strength runs so much wider and deeper than we remember. This is no warm fuzzy blanket I'm offering, but I want to point out that most of our problems can/must be handled calmly, one step at a time, and with a clear mind. Many of our ancestors survived the Middle Passage, the Holocaust, wars, lived in harsh and often hostile environments filled with violence, poverty and sickness. Many ran away from horrendous conditions not knowing where they were headed. Individuals lost their entire families. Children have fed and clothed their siblings. And there are so many stories of such survivors-- in the far and recent past, who not only survived, but thrived.

So my stress relieving tip is to put whatever you are dealing with into a broader perspective. Yes, things aren't necessarily the way you want them to be, but most times, they aren't nearly as horrible as they could be. So keep your cool, and breathe-- breathe deep and slow. Do it enough times to calm yourself down. Don't let your mind fool you into thinking that you don't have what it takes to get through the problem of the moment. Remember how strong you actually are-- inside. Then plot a course-- step by tiny step toward a solution.