Hi Bella Family:

What is your stress LEVEL today?

Me, level 1.

Why, I have the house to myself while my boyfriend and our 2 doggies visit his family in Orlando, Florida. I chose not to go(lol). Needed to work on some freelance stuff in the hopes of generating some income and really not into his family drama. Now, I do MISS the 3 of them big time- that is my family, but it is so nice to be able to watch the only TV we have and fall asleep in front of it(lol). Usually that is Sylvester's spot. With the doggies, they went this time with him (I am in tears) as his son who is really the doggie's owner will be there. I just made sure they would be coming back!!! His son and wife are in the Air Force and went back on base - so we had the pleasure of playing mom & dad to their two mutts (Jeremiah, Jack Russell Terrier & Bobbie/female, a 3-legged Black Pitt Bull who is starting to gray like Sylvester and myself). I cannot wait for them to return as ONE night was all the ME time I needed this time around.

Last night was #1, 3 more to go!

Now your turn...

And Happy Holidays & all the BEST for 2012!!!!

I am doing pretty well with the stressors these days, which i am so thankful for. Right now I am working on not feeling stress from people needing me to hang out with them.

I am reminded to be careful what I ask for! I wanted people to socialize with, and now I have so many I can't keep everyone happy. I am not used to having people want so much of my attention and it makes me feel upset and guilty that I would rather just kick back in my quiet and solitude.

Hi Jilly:

There is nothing wrong with wanting both.

The trick is find the balance.

Yesterday was stress level was 10+, now a 1 again. Yippeee!

Nothing like my Bella Family while my real family is heading back home as we speak. Having folks that care does cancel out a lot of unhealthy stress. I get stressed when hurting and the hurt wont' go away. That was last night - tonight is going to be awesome - my family is back and I am back to being ME!!! Yippee.... Healing has taken place, thank you Jesus!

You're a sweetheart, lady!!!

My stress today is almost non-existant though I know I have some whoppers to deal with when I get back home into the real world. But the day's I spend at my parent's house always re-energize me, ready to take on the world - HERE I come!!! ...LOL...

LOL Dianne, thanks for the "chuckle"...

I thought my stress would go way up last night, when I was finally home and when opening mail, received a letter from the home insurance company I've been with for 17 years, that they would cancel my insurance if I didn't make repairs on the house. WHAT!!! Apparently they went around inspecting insured homes.

Some of the things they mentioned had already been fixed others would require a mint of money, oddly enough that didn't even stress me. I must be getting better at this.

Awesome Dianne - you doing good girl.

Today, my stress level shot up to over 100(lol).

Why?

While walking to the office today, I had the pleasure of having some man trying to be in my face. Thank goodness for my "tiny" knife in my hand and paying attention.

I was able to show my knife, yell for him to back up - bringing attention to the situation and get distance between me and him.

Yikes!

Hugs,
A

Oh my! Do be careful, I'm glad your safe!

My stress level gets higher each day as winter break slips away. I am not looking forward to going back to work. I'm trying to stay positive but sometimes it is too much and I break down.

Shyte, Angela! I am glad you are a strong, observant woman and that you are okay!!!

Keeping your wits about you (and a tiny knife) is the best protection.

My day is going swimmingly. Very relaxing. Just cleaning and organizing and putzing around. Love it.

Thanks Dianne & Jilly for your concern - this morning was back to my "peaceful" walk into the office = stress level back to zero!!!

Hi VintageGS, yes going back to work if it is something that is not really you, can create "unhealthy" stress. If you don't mind my asking - do you have any career dreams?

Reason for asking:
Sometimes this helps us to have HOPE that we will get to a point where we do have some stress - this is part of life, keeps us alert/lol - but eliminate a lot of the "unhealthy" stress - the stress that kills folks!!!! Too many of us don't realize the damage "unhealthy" stress do to our body. We are ALWAYS here for you and thanks SO MUCH for stopping by and chatting

Yesterday I had some stress - was on a first date that I did not have time for and am not sure went well.

Today I have the day off from the demands of other people!YES! I am looking forward to chilling out and getting things organized.

LOL Jilly, good for you!!!!

Bottom line, you are on a NEW adventure and making adjustments - way to GO...

Me, medium stress levels today. Had an uneventful walk to work, no trains to try to outrun so as not to get stuck on the other side It is in the 20's this morning - thank goodness for "hot flashes"... Kept me warm until I could get to the local store to stop and get a sample of my favorite coffee "hazelnut" with "hazelnut" creamer = delicious. Chatted with the store clerk, then headed on the final stretch to the office.

Guess what, someone at the office I work out of 16 hours a week freelancing, gave me a second-hand laptop yesterday. God is so GOOD!!! Now to keep it away from Sylvester's family - they tore up the one he had gotten me from a pawn shop.

Hugs,
A

mmm, I love hazelnut. And protect your new laptop! Why did they tear it up?

Today I have a meeting with my new clinician, and I am a little nervous - everyone so far has said she is hard and unpleasant. I will bring my little medical binder and see if that helps her like me a little.

I am hoping she can help me with the little matter of the pinkeye too. If not I will need to work a visit to a different dr in. Maybe I will call her now and see if she will want to see me apart from the clinician.

Other than those medical things I have the rest of the day to work on organizing, cleaning, and resting.

His family has no "respect" for his stuff and felt they were going to do the same with mine(lol). I am working on getting a LARGE trunk so that I can lock up my stuff when I begin to travel. With my NEW laptop (well, second-hand/lol) - I can now follow my heart - travel to Atlanta, Georgia in search of some much needed freelance income.

My stress level, calm, finally realizing that only God can resolve my lack of income since 12/10/11(lol). But I still feel ashamed when I get home with ZERO to contribute to the household although Sylvester says he does not mind. I do

You are lucky your mate is cool about this. I'd accept that contentedly - it should take some of the pressure off you.

I did see my clinician, who is fine. I don't know why some people don't like her. maybe they are just sensitive. Or maybe since I was prewarned my expectations were already low. That can happen.

Today I don't feel very good, so to keep my stress level down, I am lying low and not leaving the house.

LOL Jilly, that will get old really fast as he is used to being used by folks.

So I am not getting comfortable with his acceptance.

I guess I have ALWAYS been very "hard" on myself and he says I am - but it is all about my insides.

I have the office to myself = totally enjoying not having my boss around = normal stress level.

Ah, if he is used to be used that can be weird.


Today I am so glad I have nothing on my calendar. I have a list of things I could do, but nothing I must do.

And I slept in too. Looking like a great weekend.

Today the stress level is at zero and after the week I had that is quite an accomplishment!

Good for you Jilly, we all need to sleep in once in a while.

Good for you.

Today my stress level is a little high, but I am determined not to let it get any higher.

Prayer does help with things we have no control over.

my stress level today 10 because i suffered from lot of work on system and right now suffering from pain in my neck

ashusood, I am sorry to hear about your neck pain. A warm bath usually helps me, and some ibuprofen.

Today's stress was mostly even keeled. I had class and enjoyed that and got to ask a few questions about things that had been troubling me. Then this afternoon was productive.

A good day. I had a class that was good, I got to wear my new animal hood, and got a package in the mail for some cleaning tools I was looking forward to using. YAY!

Hi Angela,

My stress level today is quite low. It didn't start out that way, but stress is something I have to work at managing. Thank you for asking.

I also wanted to tell Debbie that the article
What happy people do differently is fabulous. Love it -- especially the line where you say: Civility generates happiness! Smiles rebound good energy.

Have a stress-free day ladies!

Today I had an anxiety meltdown in my case manager's office. The good news is I was able to process it relatively quickly, for me, and move on. The rest of the day went fine.

High. Today is very very high. Red zone. Need to crawl into bed.

Medium stress level for me.

Worried about finances, finding a job, having to move across the country within several months, whether or not I can financially keep my two horses, etc. Pair all that with grieving over my sweet boyfriend who just passed away, and it makes for a not so nice day.

I did get out for a walk with my dogs and that helped, and writing in my journal did help too. But in the back of my mind are all the things I know I need to get done. And right now I have no energy to even try.

Stress Level is low right now. Another work week is almost over. Can't say it is getting any easier or better but it is more familiar. That always helps.

Not too bad all things considered. A good dose of radiant vitamin D would be nice. Didn't get a chance to get outside today.

Very, very low, about a -5...the pain from my most recent 'flare' was gone when I work up. Yay!

Vitamin D definitely helps with stress - as does a nice long nap!

Remember that tomorrow is always another day!

Mild today, thankfully. This is on purpose. The last three days were hellacious. Today and tomorrow I am planning to do nothing stressy.

Stress level is low today, probably because I am tired.

Mild today, thankfully.

Cassie, tired is an okay place to be. Emotional stress and grief are very draining. Take lots of rest for yourself.

Mild today, which is nice. I spent some quality time crying last night over Dan leaving, but he held me while I cried and stroked my back.

It's sad, but it will work out for the best. This marriage isn't going anywhere either of us would want for ourselves.

Anyway, just doing some housekeeping and forum posting - a mellow day.

Low today, thankfully.

Started out irritated at nothing today, then did some writing, posted a few articles ahead of schedule, and feel peaceful now.

I still might be fighting a cold. My sleeping problems are not helping. I hope i do get some good sleep tonite and am able to be up and at em tomorrow. Got lots of errands to do.

Woke up late again, ran out of bed, and then got a few good things across town done! that felt good! Hoping to get in bed by midnite tonite and wake up early enough to get much more done.

had a pretty bad meltdown today. I had to crawl under my case manager's desk and have a good cry. NOw i have a headache. Will drink water. Wish I could take a bath.

Oh, Jilly. So sorry to hear of your difficult time. Maybe light a candle or two and put on some soft music to wind down tonight. I hope you were able to take a walk today after the meltdown. That can help.

Don't you have a friend in the area who would let you take a bath at their place now and then?

I hope you will have a better day tomorrow.

My stress level today is low.

Thank you, Cassie. That is nice that you feel better today. Good for you. What have you done to feel more peaceful?

I will take your advice and light some candles. Great idea.

I can think about friends and tubs. it's a thought, thanks.

I take my dogs for a walk every day if possible. I allow myself lots of time to reflect and do what I need to for myself.

With still being unemployed I have time to do this, but I do need to start the job search again very soon. I need expense money and funds to move later in the year. I took a break with the job search because my boyfriend died and there was lots to do, and then the grief took me over full force and sent me into a whirlwind of pain.

I am trying to accept what happened. Going on without him is very difficult. Just two years ago I had to go through another death of sorts....my marriage. That was something I did not want, and the pain was great there too. I know there are a lot of life lessons here for me, but it does stink to have to be in pain a lot, especially because of losing a man I love deeply. I am trying to find the positive in all of this just to be able to survive. The only good thing about my boyfriend's passing is that he is no longer suffering.

In a nutshell.....making time for myself for whatever it is that I need, cutting myself a little slack, and doing the best I can to be positive is helping me with the stress. It is not always easy but I am doing the best I can.

High! My husband is coming home in a couple of hours after being gone for nearly two weeks and the house is a mess, I've caught the cold of my youngest daughter and I'm exhausted. I don't know how single moms do it. And really, it is not that much better having three kids and hubby home, as helpful as he is, but dang, to lay down at night and not be alone after a long day...man, I've been missing that. It didn't help he was across the globe and we talked or texted maybe five minutes a day.

My stress level is low today. That is nice.

Mine's pretty low, too. The Sandwiches article has posted, and the newsletter and forum are up to date.

I'm getting ready to go teach my Saturday classes. It's the last class of the session, so we all know each other really well. It should be an excellent day.

Today was nice and mellow, just like the weekend. I made some decisions, got some things done, and it feels quite good.

I am happy for you, Jilly. I am feeling pretty calm myself.

Thank you cassie. Glad you are calm too.

Today was fine. I was running around doing stuff but felt mostly calm. I did do a nice walk along Beaver Creek with a friend that I am getting to know.

Today is going well. No real stress. Just doing some reading and minor gardening.

Dear Jilly -

It is wonderful that you are creating an environment that brings you serenity! Kudos to you - it has ben a long time coming and you definitely deserve it.

High level of stress today.

I explained in the "How did you sleep last night?" thread. My stomach is in knots. I have not felt this kind of stress in a while. I had hoped I wouldn't have to again.

Today was peaceful, but this evening i starting feeling a little freaked out when i went to the food line at the Bread of Life. Too much noise and activity and people and sounds. I did get plenty of food to take home though.

I am very sensitive to noise and lots of activity too. The excess energy vibes can really get to me. I prefer peaceful places.

Stress level has gone down considerably. Thank goodness.

That's wonderful to hear, Cassie! I'm glad you are relaxing. Spring is coming, and it's nice to breathe in that fresh air.

Jilly - I dislike crowds as well and they can make me tense. Bob and I did a mall walk a few days ago to test out the Biggest Loser SlimCoach and other pedometers against each other. The weather was too nasty to do the test outside. He asked if I wanted to eat in the food court afterwards, and I adamantly said no; I didn't want to deal with the noise and people even though it wasn't very full.

Stress level is pretty low today.

Mild today. Just staying in my PJs and doing stuff around the house. Concerned though about my birthday tomorrow. I have no plans and I think I will be sad and lonely.

To all,

My day was as expected,beautiful,stress level,pretty low.To Jilly
Your birthday is only tomorrow.why don't we all enjoy this beautiful moment together.Dear Debbie,if they gave you the job ,it is surely because ,and I am sure,because you will do a great job.

Loving to everyone.

loong

Loong, you are right intellectually - a birthday is only a day, and fretting over it only ruins the now.

Stress is a little more manageable today. Yesterday I almost had a meltdown.

My biggest stress lately is over trying to find a job. I am all out of reserves and getting desperate. If it was not for that issue I would be doing a lot better overall.

One day at a time.....

had a few meltdowns over the last week with the whole trying to get social security income thing. better today. Still having a hard time being around people. It takes so much effort.

Pretty good right now. I had family out last week, so i got a lot of rest over the weekend and am catching up on stuff this week.

I highly recommend allowing yourself rest days after house guests!

Not bad. It was the official first day of summer. I was going to get the kids up early, since the youngest has a school program starting next week...but we slept in. I guess the Father's Day festivities allowed me to spoil everyone.

Pretty low stress today because I am taking a day to myself. Most of my days now are pretty busy.

Low stress also, am taking a day mostly off. I accomplished my one big thing of getting a battery put in my jeep.

I have one big thing for tomorrow too. Just taking it easy in general this summer.

It was high stress this morning but I was able to resolve some things, so it got better towards the end of the day. I am wiped out now.....

Stress level a little better today. Still quite tired, though.

Well, I am very busy and have a stree of can't finish the task.

I had a very social couple of days this week, so i am staying in bed today. Just reading and writing. It helps to plan for down time after active/social time, to restore my inner resources.

I think I will make myself some decaf and go back to bed with my netbook.

I posted a vine review already, so i even feel productive.

That's a wonderful sentiment online jewelry store. I too hope that.

Today I am feeling stress-less; in fact, I would say, "at ease." My older girls are away and my hubby is available to help with my youngest. I have taken to juicing today and affirming an attitude of unconditional love. I feel very understanding that everyone is learning and experiencing life parallel to my life. Therefore, I am taking nothing personally and my world is calm.

Feeling good today. I was all set to do ranch sitting and then found out i wasn't needed, so that threw me. I don't like unexpected changes. But i won't ever say no to the chance to hang around and read all day...so, feeling at ease.