Many of us start our days with a sense of impending stress, even before stepping into our daily routines. I often find myself overwhelmed with the tasks awaiting me, even during my morning commute. It’s a feeling many of us know too well—being consumed by worry and stress before our day has truly begun.
We might attribute this stress to our nature, assuming we’re just wired to worry. Yet, Christ himself asked, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” This reminds us that worry isn’t just unproductive; it’s contrary to the life of peace He desires for us.
Here are three transformative insights I’ve embraced on my journey to overcoming daily stress:
1. Redefine Success on Your Own Terms
Often, our stress stems from chasing outcomes defined by others. We worry about living up to external expectations of success, which can skew our own goals and desires. It’s crucial to pause and ask ourselves, “What do I truly want?” This question isn’t just about identifying our desires—it’s about aligning our actions with our deepest values and seeking fulfillment in ways that resonate with our true selves.
Remember, God delights in granting the desires of our hearts when they align with His will. By openly communicating our hopes and dreams with God, we engage with Him in a deeply personal way, trusting Him to guide us towards our aspirations.
2. Adopt a Long-Term Perspective
When anxiety tightens its grip, I remind myself to view life from a broader perspective, asking, “Will this matter in five or ten years?” This helps clarify what truly warrants my concern. More often than not, the issues causing immediate stress won’t significantly impact the long-term narrative of my life.
By focusing on relationships and commitments that will stand the test of time—like family, faith, and close friendships—we invest our energy in what truly enriches our lives, reducing the space for fleeting worries.
3. Embrace Your True Identity
At the core of many anxieties is a fear about our performance and perception—whether we’re capable, successful, or liked. Yet, such fears distract from a fundamental truth of our faith: our identity as beloved children of God is secure, irrespective of earthly achievements or failures.
To counter these fears, it’s vital to surround ourselves with voices that affirm our identity in Christ. St. Francis of Assisi, for example, would have a friend affirm his identity as God’s beloved during times of personal attack. We too need friends and family to remind us of our divine worth, especially when we lose sight of it under the weight of stress.
Cultivating Calm in the Chaos
Implementing these practices doesn’t remove challenges from our lives, but it does alter our engagement with them. By choosing to focus on what’s truly significant, inviting God into our desires, and grounding our identity in Christ, we find that the weight of daily stress diminishes.
Ultimately, the journey to a less stressed existence is about realignment—turning away from ephemeral pressures and toward eternal truths. It’s a daily practice, one that invites us into a deeper, more peaceful walk with Christ, where we truly understand that nothing we face can add to or subtract from who we are in Him.
