Stress is like Gangrene

Gangrene may be prevented if it is treated before the tissue damage is irreversible. Wounds should be treated properly and watched carefully for signs of infection.

Stress is like gangrene.

As I have mentioned, our family is familiar with PTSD. An intense stress disorder. But we are also familiar, along with probably everyone else alive, with good old fashioned, every day stress. You know. The nausea, insomnia, increased appetite, head ache, and neck ache inducing variety. Often caused by, but not limited to moving, having children, working, family members, deadlines, buying houses.

Even getting this blog out today has been a point of stress. And that is irony, my friends. But, in the course of having to climb out of the stinky pile of dung I’ve been buried under this week, I discovered something.

A quote. The philosophy of a man well acquainted with stress and suffering. He endured four different concentration camps during World War II. If anyone has the credentials of experience to talk about living in the midst of trial it would be him. And this is what he says.

“…the world is in a bad state, but everything will become still worse unless each of us does his best.” (Viktor Fankle.) His idea is that regardless of what happens to a person, we all retain the right, and even the responsibility, to choose how we respond. One does not require suffering to find meaning, but meaning can be found in spite of suffering. Or maybe even in spite of stress.

Stress is like gangrene.

It isn’t going anywhere. It’s like a bacteria. We will be bombarded until we breath our last breath. No amount of pretending or wishing can change that. But we must learn to treat it properly. Why do I give it so much power to rule over me like an evil tyrant? Instead of making it my master, I have to learn how to make it my teacher. It is an opportunity to learn to chose differently. But left unchecked, it can cause irreversible damage.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Stress is like gangrene. 

It’s time to start addressing the stress in my life.

So tomorrow, I’m getting out of bed and going for a bit of fresh air and exercise. And, I’m going to scream at my stress. I’m going to confront the tyrant and treat it like a drill instructor. “Bring it on! Teach me something!”

May the stress in my life point to areas that need correction and may it strengthen my resolve to make the world a better place.

At least, I’m going to try. How about you? Stressed lately?

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2 Comments on "Stress is like Gangrene"

  1. janetchanson
    20/09/2012 at 8:34 am Permalink

    Rebecca, these are words of hope regarding so many gangrene-inducing pressures. To scream “Teach me something” rather than “I curse you” to the darkness–healing comes. Thank you!

  2. Susan Basham
    20/09/2012 at 10:37 am Permalink

    Yep. I’m feeling it right there with you. Mine manifested itself in the form of a stomach disorder, that took me to the doctor last week. Reflux, they say. If not better in four days, blood work. He’s had three cases of pancreatic cancer this month, so Four.Days. Got it? Good Lord, really? CALM DOWN, Susan. Deep, cleansing breaths. I’m getting on the treadmill right now. Jumping helps. Singing helps.

    Eating Dairy Queen at 9:00 p.m. does not. Also makes for a soggy, foggy brain the next day, causing serious Writer’s Block.

    Will I ever learn?

    So glad I have you — a friend who gets it. 🙂

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