EVERYBODY IS STRESSED



I asked a lady how her week had been going (it was Wednesday) and she replied, "I'm having a GREAT week!" in a loud tone. I was almost offended. No one is allowed to have a great week, or be annoyingly enthusiastic about it. We are supposed to commiserate together, sigh and complain, and exhibit general signs of stress, and this lady was breaking all of those social codes. If you're not working hard, at least act like it. People with nothing to stress about have to be stressed. Find something to stress about, please.

Why? It shows everybody that you are working hard, you are employed, and you are living life to the fullest. Or busiest. Happiness and cheerfulness are signs of weakness because we associate those emotions with relaxing, and our culture teaches us that it is impossible to cultivate them while rushing around with busy schedules. 


A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Prov 14:30
Describe somebody in a state of peace: with a Pina Colada in hand, and 10 toes dipped in the pool, they're sitting in the sun, under a blue sky free of stress and clouds. The opposite is basically Anne Hathaway in the Devil wears Prada i.e. they're in the office, answering phone calls in one hand and signing papers with the others, making deadlines the way I make lasagne (in a very haphazard way). 

Stress is never pictured while somebody is on holiday, but it is hard to imagine a work environment where everybody is relaxed and in a tranquil state of mind. Because pressure, heaped on us from Mon - Fri, turns our minds into canyons of turmoil and havoc. We should change that. 


Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14
We first have to realise that if we don't make this deadline, everything will be ok. God is our provider, who is capable of handling our lives and providing what we need. 


You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
We are called to walk in peace full time. It feels wrong in comparison to the stress culture around us, but the bible never says to 'get worked up about stuff' or 'heap worldly pressures on yourself until your break down.'


Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thess 3:16
This peace has no limit. We can access it whenever we want. It is ceaseless in supply, just like the love of the father. 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.2 Peter 1:2
And lastly, it's important. Jesus told the sick woman who he healed to walk in peace - it is a lifestyle. Walk around as if you are on holiday all the time. Carry those imaginary Pina Coladas with you. Soak up that mental sunshine all the time. Take that state of relaxation and positive atmosphere with you. 
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7
Madison xx

Instagram: @bymybedside1
Twitter: @madisssooonnn 

13 comments:

  1. beautiful pictures <3

    http://peachmeup.com/

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  3. I wish people could be happier and more relaxed in the workplace, we shouldn't just accept stress as the norm!
    xoxo
    http://gingersnaphattie.blogspot.fr

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  4. *purple octopus*

    Have you read Eckhart Tolle by any chance? What do you make of his interpretation of Jesus' wisdom?

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    1. *trying not to fan girl but failing big time*

      No I have not! I shall look into it! Thank you your comment, I'm going to spend the rest of the day trying to find my 'chill.'

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  5. I feel like stress is something that too many people show and talk about... your right... we need to change that emotion into happiness!
    Aleeha xXx
    http://www.halesaaw.com/

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  6. I definitely try to act like I have a piña colada in my hand AT ALL TIMES. The only way to live!
    Vanessa
    www.theretropenguin.com

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  7. Great post...
    xx
    https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/

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  8. purple octopus
    cute blog x

    http://goddessofmesss.wixsite.com/blog

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  9. Love your photos. They're amazing! Omgomgomg. This post is so amazing.

    http://kiwitro.wixsite.com/kiwitro

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  10. Where is it better said than the Bible.
    Thanks
    Jen

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