You're already holding the key.

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you feel out of sorts, overwhelmed, or downright anxious for no particular reason at all.

By that I mean that there’s no one trigger – nothing that you can pin the feeling to – so you run down the list of ‘what am I stressed out about?’ which invariably makes you feel worse because there is no one thing.

It’s everything.  

It’s the weight of hundreds of tiny tasks, dozens of obligations and a yearning for the space where it will all be – even for a moment – done.  

It’s the feeling of freedom.

Those moments don’t happen often – and don’t last long when they do – because there is always more to be done. 

When I used to find that feeling of freedom only in those moments, I was overwhelmed or anxious most of the time.

Here’s what I’ve learned since then…

That endless list is freedom.

Every item on it is completely your choice. Every moment rolls into the next.  There is no finish line.  

So, you might as well craft your list to be one you enjoy most of the time.

And when that underlying feeling of angst creeps in?

It’s time to revisit your list – not to figure out what you’re stressed about – but to be intentional about what you’re choosing.

This Week: The key to freedom is in recognizing you’re at choice – about everything. 

When you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just a little angsty…

Take a moment to clear your head.  In order to do this exercise, you’ll need to be present.  Pause whatever you’re doing and take a few deep breaths.  Focus your attention solely on your breath – let your exhale soften the muscles of your back, shoulders, neck, and jaw. 

Now, one at a time, think about the things you "have to" do.

Change the language from "I have to do" x to "I choose to do x because."  HINT:  the because must be something you want, not something you don’t want.  For many things this is enough to shift your energy. 

For example: "I have to cook dinner," becomes "I choose to cook dinner because I value time at the table with my family." 
Or "I have to re-do my deck for the Board presentation" becomes "I choose to create a new deck because I like being a respected authority in my department."

Occasionally however, it’s difficult to find an I choose to statement that feels right or that is not in some way fear based.  When that happens, try some I choose not to statements.  
It may be time to take that item off your list or begin to initiate a change in that area of your life.