Blessings Among the Stress
Categories: stress, work, family, friends, study, self-esteem, parish-life, food, cinema
Date: 21 March 2010 12:29:01
A week in which I let stress at work get to me, or perhaps moreso self-inflicted it; it is amazing [in a horridly fascinating manner] how I can see myself deteriorating, yet still plough on regardless in a vain attempt to push it aside. Sadly, doesn't work. And just leads to more stress, or me beating myself up and making myself feel miserable. It is so easy for me to return to the "You are completely useless" thought patterns; and while at times I can catch some, in times of great stress I accept them and dwell.
But I've noticed them now, and sometimes shortly thereafter it happening; so, I pray, through the Grace and Mercy of God I am learning to see them, and in time I pray I can respond regularly in a more positive way. I did do some work yesterday and today so I will not need to rush through next week [deadlines...]; but I made sure I kept the weekend work at a reasonable level. I think I'd work 24 hours if I didn't stop myself -- my "all or nothing" perfectionist attitude. I at least recognised when my mind and body started tiring this weekend and stopped -- for my sanity as well as the fact I doubt my work would be too good if I were mentally and physically tired.
My reading of blogs as well as e-mail has been rather reduced this week; I found myself unable to concentrate most times I tried. Hope to catch up with all your happenings this week; I do love reading what you all have to say. I need to make sure I do make time for this as it is an enjoyable activity and one which does bring joy to my life. And we all need to give time to things that make us joyful.
Anyway...amid all this, there was much blessing. That I got through the week relatively fine is a first blessing: thanks be to God.
Today is my dad's 61st birthday, so many years to him! We had a wonderful dinner with the family and two friends of my parents visiting from the south coast of New South Wales at the local club. Singapore Noodles for me...yum. And cake [tiramisu].
I am currently enjoying the cool change, with strong winds, after a few days out here in the low to mid 30s [Celcius]. Bliss. Bring on winter, or at least what passes for it in Sydney [average of 15-20C during the day].
Enjoyed catching the typo on the right [yes, I am sad], as I travelled around Sydney [Chatswood, where I also went Friday evening, is not exactly local] today looking for presents for various occasions.
Was encouraged, and also challenged, by some words of Father after Great Vespers on Saturday from Elder Porphyrios' amazing book Wounded by Love on the great blessing we have in being called to life in the Church which is nothing less than life in a communion of love with the Blessed Trinity, as well as each other: and the call for us to deny ourselves and follow Christ.
Caught up with a friend and her mother for coffee who had some work to take care of near where I live; a most enjoyable and relaxing Saturday early afternoon chatting away.
Had a very enjoyable evening with wonderful friends Friday; a great evening to end a stressful working week. Though I will say any attempt at Lenten abstinence flew out the window. Drinks [G&T of course! ;)]; followed by a scrumptious dinner [Peking Duck & Chinese pancakes; King Prawns & Vermicelli; Mushroom and Vegetables; Salt & Pepper Squid; Fried Rice] at Kam Fook in Chatswood; followed by the very enjoyable movie Alice in Wonderland, in 3D -- from a review I heard I knew it did not follow the books so I went in expecting a fun and enjoyable Tim Burton interpretation and that is what I got. There was an issue with the sound for the first 5 minutes or so [which led to some amusing comments...must've been the G&T and wine at dinner!], but it was resolved, and we all received a free movie pass.
Continued my Friday lunch escape and read some more of the various books I am currently reading.
More encouraging and challenging words from the courses I am doing. On Wednesday's Reading the Classics we looked at St John of the Cross and his Spiritual Canticle [of which I hope I can write about, as well as more on St Teresa of Avila, soon...]; on Thursday's Moral Life in Christ we looked at the meaning, physical and spiritual, of the commandments to not commit adultery nor steal. I also found I can, based on what assignment I choose [it is voluntary], enter into a Certificate Program in Religious Ministry. I am thinking, and praying, on this; as I am enjoying it I believe I may as well continue. It may come in handy one day; and even if it not used formally I am enjoying studying so why not.
Played with Skye and Eden [Jessie was asleep] when I went to their house [been a long time since I visited them] to look into some computer issues my sister and brother-in-law were having: fixed it. Pushed them on the swings [Eden holds on quite well] and read a book each to them. I am so blessed.
Various talks with friends that kept me sane [as sane as I can be ;)] and kept me on a relatively level path.
And I am sure there was more too. I truly do have much to be thankful for: thanks be to God.