Creating a Healthy Lifestyle

Stephanie  asks, “I’ve tried to meditate or relax but it’s hard for me.  I have a lot of stress at work, and my two teenage kids drive me crazy.  My husband works a lot and he’s not too supportive.  How can I relax with all of this stress?”

Stephanie is overwhelmed with the ‘bad’ stress that she experiences every day.  As she continued to talk about her problems, tears began to flow down her cheeks.  “I don’t know where to start. There are too many things to worry about.”

After attending a few counseling sessions. Stephanie decided to talk with her husband, Joe.  “I don’t know if you know what I’ve been going through for the last year, but I need your support, Joe.  I wish you could help me with the kids, because they are getting out of control. They don’t listen to me.” Stephanie pleaded with him while tears flowed profusely from her eyes.”

Joe was taken aback, as if he didn’t know there was a problem.  He had been so involved with his job at the department store where he worked that he never recognized what Stephanie was going through.  But then he said, in a gentle and caring way, “I’m sorry that I didn’t know that you were having a hard time.  I guess I thought you were strong and didn’t need my help. But I guess I was wrong!”

Stephanie was relieved that Joe understood her feelings and the stresses that she was going through.  She was grateful that Joe cared about her feelings.

This was a new beginning for this couple.  Joe was ready to take more responsibility at home.  And he was able to talk to the children and set reasonable rules.  This relieved a lot of stress for Stephanie.  She felt more in control of her life and was now able to relax and meditate.  After six months, Stephanie seemed happy with her sparkling smile.  She said, happily: “I feel very relaxed today.  The kids are even listening to me more than they ever did!” Now, Stephanie will be able to enhance herself in a way she’s never done before.

In one Chapter of my book, Create a Healthy Lifestyle, I  discuss the importance of self-esteem and enhancing the self.  In Stephanie’s case, she needed to resolve the distress at home before she could work on herself.  As she felt more in control of her life– and have a better relationship with Joe–she would be able to work on her “self.”  It will be easier for her to relax and feel at peace.

Essentially, it’s important to resolve the problems and stressors around you at home or at work.  Then you will be able to enhance your self.  Eventually, you will be able to be mindfully aware of the experiences in your life.  Meditation will be easier, and you’ll be on your way towards a “healthy lifestyle.”