"Stress is a part of life, but we produce the stress."

A thought by Dr. Kevin Leman (2013-02-01) from his book, Way of the Wise, The: Simple Truths for Living Well (Kindle Locations 396-397). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

For most of us we think that stress comes from outside of us – work, family, husband, wife, expectations.  But Dr. Leman says we produce it.  He says, “We manufacture it from our life circumstances, then distribute it, so to speak, by ‘shoulding’ on ourselves or other people.”

…I should have gotten the house cleaned yesterday.

…I should get a higher-paying job.

…He should care more about me. If he did, life would be easier.

…She should help out more around here.

…I should lose weight so I look better. Then maybe I’d…

That is where your stress comes from.  Listen you have no control over what you should have done yesterday, what you should do tomorrow, what someone else should do.  What you have control over is what you should/could do right now.  If it is something that should be done by you, not someone else then do it.  And those other things you give them to God.  

Stress is there to get you to do what needs to be done by you but it is something that you need to control or it will kill you.

See stress as your friend not your enemy. 

So what are you doing about your stress today?