The PF Women Team at our Annual Team Retreat ~ 2018 Today on Seth Godin's blog, he said: It's tempting to decide to make a profit first, then invest in training, people, facilities, promotion, customer service and most of all, doing important work. In general, though, it goes the other way. Yes, it does. If you are waiting to make a profit before you do these things, in my experience you're not going to make a profit. So many organizations, ministries and churches are struggling with financial issues. I know your pain. As anyone who follows our story knows, our ministry was in a ton of debt four years ago when I came on as director. Since that time, we've gotten out of debt and turned a profit every year. God has done amazing things through out team, for which we give Him the glory! I find that what Seth is saying here is absolutely true, with one disclaimer. For Christian leaders, spiritual disciplines must always be first. Before we started i...
1. First, and before we start busting stress, what causes you the most stress, is it big things or the small stuff ?
Both. I will admit, I've needed professional help to deal with stress. Part of it is needing to get rid of perfectionism while keeping a spirit of excellence. I like things to be done right. When they aren't, it bothers me. I've had to adopt the new mantra, "as far as it depends on me...I'll do it right." I've had to realize, I can only do so much. But what I do - I can commit to do well. When I do something well but for some reason everything else is falling down around me and stuff is out of my control, that's when I use various techniques to help.
2. Exercise or chocolate for stress busting ( or maybe something else)?
Talking to the Lord is my first stress busting technique. When I'm stressed I have to remove myself from situations and get alone. I'll leave an important meeting for 15 minutes if I have to, just to get myself in the right frame of mind. I get alone, if I need to "walk it off" and talk to the Lord, I do. If I need to sit there and breathe deeply and call on God, I do. If I need to pace the room and pray in the Spirit, I do. Somehow I always just know what the situation calls for. I also carry a stress ball with me all the time. Right now I have a new one that is a little rice bean bag - you can even put it in the microwave and heat it up. I also exercise. I do the elliptical if I'm really upset and go hard and fast. When my car got hit the first time I did the elliptical for at least a week straight every night, and I pushed until I was soaked in sweat. I also call a friend who I know will hear me out and not chide me or consider it babyfied, whatever I'm dealing with. If I'm really under stress, I would get counseling in a heartbeat if I needed it.
3.What is your favourite music to chill out to?
When stressed out? Classical if I want to calm down - also Hillsongs Instrumental, Amy Grant Hymns of Faith, and anything by Fernando Ortega.
4. Where do you go to chill?
On my back patio, on my swing, in my rocking chair, on my bike at sunset, in the water at the beach or laying in the sand scrunching my hands and toes in it. Sometimes I lay out flat right in it at the water's edge. I love how the sand feels.
5. Extrovert or introvert, do you relax at a party, or do you prefer a solitary walk? Hmmm...two extremes. I'm manic in this regard. I like to be the life of the party, but only for a certain extent of time. The other half of the time, I want to have an intimate conversation with one at the most two people, over in the corner over a cup of coffee. I'm the type of person that loves to do karaoke and jump on top of a table and get crazy, but although that's fun you get nothing deep out of it, so the other half of my night needs to be spent really talking and sharing with someone about something life changing. I can't h
elp it, I have this absolute craving for meaningful, life changing conversation. It's one of my addictions that I never plan on giving up.
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