Today I got a phone call from a colleague with some questions. Totally normal. During the conversation we began talking about taking work phone calls on the weekends, after work hours, and on vacation days. Previous jobs had me on the phone, in the office, and in the field at all hours. This current job though is not one of those jobs. It is strictly 8-5. There is nothing life or death about this job. That is one of the things that initially drew me to it.
I quickly realized that she wasn’t looking for answers but wanting counseling. She wanted to process the stress and anxiety her job was causing her. I am no longer a counselor, but as a friend, I told her that the job had nothing to do with her stress. She was causing her anxiety. She took a breath and said, “I know but …” I then told her that she was still doing it.
Be careful of the stress that you create. Oh, and don’t call your counselor or ex-counselor friends looking for free counseling.
Grayer Gardens 
I saw an ex-client a few years ago in a grocery store. I hadn’t seen this person professionally for four years when we accidentally met up. The client immediately started to list her problems. I had to gently stop her and suggest she find a counselor to speak to as I was no longer in practice. She actually got mad that i wouldn’t just listen to her, provide some advice and not charge her…..it boggles the mind.
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Many times we create our own stress. Often is comes from worrying about things that may happen in the further, but rarely do. I like that quote you included in your article. We have the power to choose our response to any given situation.
Richard Yadon | http://www.RichardYadon.com
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