There is no stress in the world, only people thinking stressful thoughts. – Dr. Wayne Dyer

When I first read this quote, I’ll be honest.  I pretty much exploded with laughter.  How could the late great Dr. Wayne Dyer say there was no stress in the world.  I personally am under so much stress that it’s not even funny.  There is stress all around us, right?  Well, no, when it comes right down to it, there really isn’t.  What there is, are our perceptions of things.  I have debt in my life.  Now, right away, that’s a stressful thought.  No, it’s not, it’s a thought.  Me freaking out about it and perseverating over it is what makes it stressful.  That’s a pretty simplistic breakdown I realize, but it’s also pretty accurate.  How we thing about things is what makes them stressful.

Let’s go back to my debt.  I have debt, I’m doing my best to pay it.  I’m making my payments on time, and I’m trying not to incur any more debt.  Where is the stress?  The stress is in my own mind.  Me saying “Oh no, I owe this much. Oh no, I’m never going to pay it off. Oh no….” on into infinity.  We need to change the way I’m thinking about things.  Don’t stress.  Do your best and be happy with it and proud of yourself for doing your best.