What are you looking forward to doing in your life? Maybe you answered, “not much!” That will cause a sense of hopelessness, underlying frustration and anger about your life. So, you need to take a look at your life to see how you can get revitalized. Do you have some activities which inspire you such as going to church, or being involved in a support group or doing something which is meaningful or creative?
Reading your Bible will inspire you. Start by reading the New Testament Gospels. Getting closer to God through prayer and fellowship in a local, healthy church which teaches the Bible and that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior will revitalize your life! Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who lives in Me, and I in him will bear much fruit. Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Growing in a relationship with Him will bring new hope, energy and perspective into your life helping you get past the frustration and anger you have been feeling. Beginning a new goal such as a class or a hobby or sport will revitalize you. What did you do in the past which you wish you could do now? Ride your bike? Go fishing? Take an art class? Go hiking or canoeing? These kinds of activities will refresh you! You will notice the world around you and begin to love life again!
Examine your personal pace of life with the following Stress Buster Project.
See what you might need to change.
Simplify your life by starting to do and be what God made you to be. You will begin to feel more hopeful, more peaceful and encouraged as you renew your soul and spirit.
Stress Buster Project: Building Balance into Your Life: Adjusting Your Personal Pace
Here are some questions to help you begin to prioritize your life and relieve the stress of your pace of life:
1. Is it possible to do all the things I am trying to do in the time I have? Write down a list of the responsibilities you are performing each week: Identify those activities which someone could help you with: Identify the activities which you might not need to do.
2. Why am I trying to do the things I have set out to do? Of the activities listed above which you might not need to do ask what is the purpose of each.
3. Which of the activities you are engaged in doing do you consider worthwhile? Enjoyable? Profitable? Meaningful?
4. What do I really want to do but never seem to get around to doing? Something creative, fun, enjoyable?
5. What changes can I make this week?
6. What can I stop doing that is not really necessary to God’s goals for my life; is not really something I need to do that accomplishes healthy goals for myself and family?
7. How can I embark on the real goals that I believe God has for me and I never get around to doing? What goals/activities can I begin to do in which I can use my talents and gifts for the Lord? Which healthy goals/activities have made me feel refreshed and fulfilled in the past?
Answer the above questions in light of these verses: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phil. 4:8-9
“And whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” Col.3:17 8.
Make a plan to Reduce the Stress in Your Life this week:
Ask someone to help you with a certain responsibility.
Stop doing something which you really don’t need/want to do.
Begin to do one or two activities daily which will help enrich you physically, emotionally and spiritually.
When you are proactive about taking care of yourself and your goals – you will experience less harmful anger and more peace. Giving God the control really is the key to finding satisfaction and fulfillment in your life.
© copyright 2005 by Lynette J. Hoy, NCC, LCPC. Lynette is a Marriage and Family Counselor with CounselCare Connection, National Certified Counselor, Anger Management Specialist-IV and Diplomate with the National Anger Management Association. She is the co-author of What’s Good About Anger? and a speaker for community, women’s and church organizations.