Pressure — We wake up with it, we lose sleep over it, it consumes our thoughts and steals our energy.
It gets so overwhelming that we want to run away, take a nap, or go on vacation when nothing could be further away from possible.
Many women today set the bar high and have self expectations that some say is unrealistic. Maybe they are, but what is our option? Giving everything we have to everyone important to us becomes second nature after a while. We risk our physical, mental and emotional health, if we push too hard. We fear the loss of control if we don’t.
We get tired, feel defeated, we lose hope sometimes.
We forget how to ask for help, and sometimes even refuse it when it is offered.
Many times, we didn’t ask for the responsibility. We got thrown into a situation that required immediate action. It cascades into years of hard work and sacrifice. Although it isn’t always fun, I believe there is value in pressure. I believe we can learn how to balance and juggle and still take good care of ourselves. It requires practice of course, and a conscious decision to let some things go.
Pressure strengthens us, and it keeps us from becoming self absorbed. Many
people rely on us, and our biggest fear is letting them down. As overwhelming as it seems some days, I think there is value here. We become resourceful and confident and think on our feet. We stretch our limits and grow as people.
Next time you feel everything pressing in, that constant force that is being placed on you from all sides. Just remember:
That’s how diamonds are made. The most valuable gem on earth
