This is a Throwback Thursday post of sorts. The following essay was written back in 2011, during the days of high school. I found it somewhat inspiring as I was reading through my old papers. Perhaps you too will be inspired to view the stress in your life differently…
Stress is often described with a negative connotation. We complain that our stress is causing insomnia, worry, and gray hair, but we don’t stop to think about the benefits of stress. Throughout my life, stress has had innumerable positive effects. Thanks to stress I have become more efficient, felt more accomplished, and learned to appreciate life for all it’s worth.
If stress is defined as being unbearably busy and worn out, then I have definitely experienced stress. When one is given a lot of work with little time to do it, stress is inevitably created. “If you want to get something done, ask a busy person to do it.” While this saying is ironic, it also tells a shocking truth: Stressed, busy people are more efficient with their time. Stress has taught me the important skill of time management. This great benefit of stress is essential to my success in the future.
Contrary to what others believe, stress makes me feel good. Stress gives me confidence. Some may find it strange, but many others feel the way I do. When I am busy I feel I am accomplishing worthwhile tasks. I also know that to feel stress from these tasks, I must care about what I am doing. IF I invest my time, energy, and worry into something to the point that it causes stress, then I know it is important to me. Stress reminds me that I am helping others and carrying out my responsibilities. This is why stress makes me confident.
Probably the most important effect that stress has had on my life is learning to appreciate everything. Stress can sometimes fog our minds with worries. However, if we just look past all the concerns we can find treasure in stress. Just as water tastes delicious after you’ve taken a long run, so does relaxing after experiencing stress. It seems that we appreciate things more when we haven’t had the luxury of having them. When we stop to smell the roses, stress becomes less overwhelming. Watching the sun set in the midst of stress can also be calming. Stress has helped me learn to love the things I would easily overlook.
Like medicine, stress may have some unwanted side effects, but it will help you in the long run. Stress has given me some key qualities to being successful. Thanks to stress I have become more efficient, felt more accomplished and learned to appreciate life for all it’s worth. As Doctor Hans Sel said, “Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” I choose to let stress affect me positively. Maybe one day everyone will allow stress to be beneficial to them too.
Serene Perspicacity