I made a decision to avoid stress this week.
Sometimes I create my own stress. In high school and college I would work on term papers from the time they were assigned...I carried 3x5 cards in my bag and, each time I came across a necessary and interesting fact, I'd write it down and throw it back in the bag - no order, just in. If I came up with a good transitional phrase, into the bag it went. But on on the night before the paper was due (and this was in the days of typewriters - and I didn't really type well then) would I place all of the cards on my bedroom floor and put the paper together like a puzzle. Granted, that kind of pressure worked for me - my brain works better with pressure - but as I have gotten older with more important responsibilities to others, I have thought through some of the self-created stress patterns and tried to mitigate them.
So, stress factor = Halloween party. We decided to throw this party a year ago. I rented the facility a year ago. I bought out one store's 75% off after Halloween sale for candle holders and tablecloths, etc. I picked up odd items through the year. I saved every NS cardboard box for building a Halloween set.
Today I am here: two costumes completely finished, one 3/4 finished - a bit of sewing left to do. The amplifier needs to come out of the attic. The cardboard trees need to be cut, painted and assembled. I need to make standing backs for the tombstones. All of the lights, tablecloths, utensils, candy baskets, and other decorations need to be unwrapped and prepped to set out in the fastest manner possible.
One other stress factor avoided: my MIL (whom I love) wants us to go on a visit to Carmel tomorrow - the trip down and back with what she has planned when we are there would take probably 8 hours. If I did it, I would lose an entire day of prep time - I just can't do it without feeling incredibly stressed out. So, I have said I cannot go, but HusBo will go with her. It will be nice for her to spend some time with him without us, anyway.
Just knowing I have an entire day to accomplish the last of the tasks makes me feel calm and happy. Ahh.
Peace and joy ~ Shannon