Good Stress? Is there Such a Thing?

I have always thought of stress as a bad thing. Something we all should avoid. It seems that is what I have been told as long as I can remember. Stress can kill you.

Then the other day I had a paradigm shift. Talking with a friend about stress. She suggested that not all stress is bad. “There is good stress as well.”

“Really, how do you mean?” I inquired.

“Think about it.” she replied, “When you have done something that you know needs doing, don’t you feel better after you have done it?”

“You mean like brushing my dogs regularly?”

“Yes! That’s good stress, because it prompts you, and once you have taken care of the matter, you feel better.”

Hmmm…interesting

So, I did think about it and put it to the test. I found she was quite right! These little examples may seem small, however, managing them made me feel much better!

These plants have been needing to be in the garden for awhile…
Done! Now they will flourish and make me smile.
This trimmer has been waiting to be put back in the tack room…
That took about 45 seconds. Back where they belong.
Hay strewn all over the barn—not good…
A two minute sweep job does the trick and improves my mindset.
A groomed dog always improves my attitude.

Does this make any sense?

As my friend said: Think about it!

Happy Tuesday!

Farm Life—What’s Your Life?

Life on the farm is unique. What compares? Share your thoughts. We grow our own food, raise a bunch of critters, have a bunch of fun, love the land. Outdoors is best. I’m bias? Yes, I am… May I ask you this—Do you love the land?

How about you? What’s your ‘jam’? Tell us, please! As my mother used to say, “It takes all kinds to make this world, Midy”.

She was right.

Pond reflections of windmill. Have you ever considered the life of a pond?
Good day of fishing… he is the small one….
Dinner from our pond.
Nothing like line-dried clothes, yeah!
Our broody hen, Fifi…setting on 7 fertile eggs.
Evening-tide on the farm.
Coveralls are essential items out here! I love this land. I love my farm…what do YOU love?

Write 28 Day Challenge—#20 Changes

Do you like changes? First it must be defined. Changes mean to substitute something for something else. All sorts of changes occur in our daily lives. So maybe it depends on what changes I am talking about as to whether we like them or not.

Certainly some changes are harder than others. For example: a youngster changing schools; giving up driving because of old age; suddenly loosing a spouse of many years. These changes are nearly experienced by all of humanity.

Other changes may bring great joy to our lives: a new baby; new home, car, shoes, or a new pet. These can be exciting and fun.

Changes can also be terribly challenging. Desiring a change in ourself, our relationships with others, or our lifestyles can be overwhelming and feel near impossible. Good grief, just trying to loose ten pounds makes slaying a dragon seem easy to me!

Or how about changing an attitude toward a co-worker that is difficult to like? Or maybe changing one’s own irritated tone of voice when speaking.

Is it safe to say we all want to be happy? Would we agree that in order to be happy, changes must begin within ourselves?

I do not know all the answers to these questions, but I do know this—God never changes. He is always here to help me substitute something for something else. I have but only call out to Him. He is waiting to hear from me and you. He will help us be the change we want to see. Call out to Him today, won’t you?

For I am the Lord, I do not change.

Malachi 3:6