Turn Right · Lesson
Stress
A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. Here is the difference between stress and distress.
Part One
Stress moves us closer to functional thinking and acting
- Our body knows how our mind handles challenges. The need to problem-solve can cause us to sweat. The need to plan can cause us to look at our abilities to act.
- Our mind knows how our body handles challenges. The need to problem-solve can cause us to fight or take flight. The need to plan can cause us to weigh a fight or a flight.
Distress moves us away from functional thinking and acting
- If we choose to ignore the requirements of life, failing to respond to the need to problem-solve our challenges can bring on unhealthy outcomes.
- If we choose to ignore the requirements of life, failing to respond to the need to plan for challenges can bring on unhealthy behaviors.
Is my life under the control of peace, hope, and love? If I do not submit to my need for peace, hope, and love, I will live in distress.
Part Two
What happens when we make no effort at solving life's basic problems?
- What happens to the body when we are not at peace? What happens to the mind when we are not at peace?
- What happens to us when we do not have solutions to problems, but only have more problems?
- What does problem solving look like? Name four main ways to look at what needs to be done about the problems in our lives.
- What do I want? What do I have now? What information do I need to go get, that deals with what I want? What am I willing to do in order to get closer to what I want?
- Basic problem solving always begins with the ability to confess these four fundamental requirements.
- If we have a better day today than we had yesterday, will we hope to continue having better days ahead?
Part Three · Peace of Mind
Peace of mind is a state of existence where we are held to a standard of keeping ourselves under control. The imagination does not have control of my attention.
Facts
Stress
- Facts are understood.
- We reach out to those whom we trust.
- We work with resources to find solutions.
Distress
- Facts are ignored.
- We distance ourselves from trust.
- We look to others to carry our weights.
Hope for Tomorrow
Stress
- We hold on to what we know is true.
- We see today as having many opportunities to find resources.
- We sleep in order to rest up for managing our responsibilities.
Distress
- We won't let go of past injuries.
- We are blind to any signs that lead to finding help.
- We sleep in order to escape our responsibilities.
Love for Myself and Others
Stress
- I congregate with others where I know truth is taught and friendship is given.
- I build relationships that hold me accountable.
Distress
- I avoid any groups that require me to listen to words of reasoning.
- I destroy relationships that are based on healthy values and common boundaries.
The Difference Between Stress and Distress · document
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