Stress and Victimhood

By December 17, 2009Uncategorized

There are two ways to get through a situation of stress. The first is as a victim (also known in the field of psychology as “victimization” or “victim consciousness.”) There are many self-proclaimed victims in our world today! Perhaps you’ve noticed. You can tell by the conversations you have with people because they whine and complain a lot—sometimes all the time! Ironically, by doing so, these people attract more stress into their lives. As the saying goes… “Once a victim, twice a volunteer.” The second way to get through a situation of stress is to learn from the situation, grab the bull by the horns and declare victory. In the words of Winston Churchill, “If you’re going through hell… keep going!” The second way is the path of grace. This is path Joseph Campbell refers to as The Hero’s Journey. This is the recommended path, despite the fact that it hard work. Hard work, indeed, but the views up top are extraordinary.

• Stress Tip of the Day
Eavesdrop on the conversations you have with others and note if the content of your message is one of victimization. Sometimes you may just need validation that how you are seeing the world is a bit unjust, but if this slant on life consumes your conversations, then you will become jaded and start wearing the label of “Victim.” If you find you are wearing that label, tear it off and replace it with the word, victor. Then start acting like one. The world has enough victims already.

• Movies Worth Noting:
Even if you’re not a sports fan, please consider going to see the movie, Invitus, a tribute to Nelson Mandela, wrapped up in a rugby story. With sport as metaphor, Clint Eastwood masterfully tells a heart-warming story of one of today’s leading luminaries.

• Photo of the Day:
One symbol of victory is the eagle, so in honor of all victors, heroes and legends who bushwacked their way to the top, who found themselves in a state of hell… and kept going.. this eagle, photographed in Sitka, AK, is for you!

• Quote for the Day:
For this entry, the quote of the day is not a sentence, but a poem, Invictus, the poem that Nelson Mandela said got him through 26 years of imprisonment. Please read it and consider coping it and posting it on your bathroom mirror.

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years
Finds,
and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

—William Ernest Henley 1849–1903

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Brian Luke Seaward

Author Brian Luke Seaward

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