Dealing with Work Anxiety and Stress

I have an upcoming work challenge that I will be facing. It involves being in an uncomfortable environment (a trade show), surrounded by individuals (associates of the company at which I work part-time) that I have reason to believe do not really like me, and expected to do work that is beyond my scope of understanding.


For some, this type of situation may be a welcomed opportunity for growth...a nice shakeup to the mundane, ordinary routine.


Up until last night, for me, it's been a source of anxiety and distress. I have been thinking of ways to "get out of it."  I have been playing over and over in my mind all of the dreadful experiences that I expect I would experience.


Then, I took a deep breath. I acknowledged that the way I have been approaching this situation is not in alignment with my belief that the Universe supports us. It is not in alignment with the truth that I am blessed, and that opportunity presents itself to me so that I can learn, grow, and conquer any feelings of fear or inferiority. Life constantly unfolds before all of us with chances to learn, grow, and increase in love.

This beautiful image is from Stephanie Ryan Art

I took a few deep breaths. I asked myself how I could rephrase the situation in a way that is in alignment with who I am and who I want to be...how could I rephrase this situation in a way that EMPOWERS me, rather than leaves me feeling like a helpless victim of circumstances that overwhelm me?


This came to mind:


"I can do it. Even if it makes me uncomfortable, I can do it in a way that honors God and makes him smile." - Sulilo 


Upon that acknowledgment, I felt SUCH a sense of relief. Something else that came to mind...A Christian friend once pointed out a scripture from her bible regarding the challenges of working with difficult people (and work in general). It is also in alignment with this:


"...Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah)..." - Colossians 3: 23-24

Wow. So, my new plan - rather than envisioning the situation going wrong? I am envisioning it going RIGHT. I am imagining all the ways I may be of service in the situation. I am imagining all of the people with whom I will speak kindly, offer warm eye contact, and to whom I will truly lend a listening ear. I will be helpful, kind, and humble.

As I engage in my yoga practice over the next month leading up to the event, I will remind myself that every opportunity is a chance to be a beacon of light - to make someone's day, and to help bring EASE to our own lives and to the lives of those around us.

I'm now (almost) looking forward to the opportunity. :)

Where are you experiencing a challenge? How can you rephrase the entire situation so that you acknowledge that Life supports you - that you are not a helpless victim of circumstance, and that YOU have the power to create a blessed experience for yourself and those around you?

Namaste,

Sulilo