A good story to remember

We often find ourselves caught up in a session of worrying about things. 

When that happens this is a good quote to read.

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. 

As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: "How heavy is this glass of water?"

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. 

If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. 

If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. 

If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. 

In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

She continued, "The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. 

Think about them for a while and nothing happens. 

Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. 

And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything."

Remember to put the glass down.

(Courtesy of Jimmy Harmon)

Creating art is a wonderful distraction from our stresses and worries. 

Even if you don't create it yourself, viewing it or using it (as in using a piece of pottery) can help sooth the soul.