With some perspective on the situation (my husband is out of hospital and recuperating at home), I can almost laugh (although not funny at the time), about what it took for me to reach my saturation point.  Just when it seems that stressful occurrences are being handled, a (small) event often causes that, “I can’t take anymore”, moment.  With me, it was the loss of my cell phone.  I knew I could get another one, but the idea of having to immediately do so, while being a constant hospital visitor, simply seemed more than I could bear.  I tried to put this loss into context, but found myself of two minds: the rational part knew it was certainly not the end of the world, but the part governed by the brain’s neocortex just wanted to run away.  Luckily, some lovely, honest person had found the phone and brought it to the reception desk. Once I had my mobile in my hot little hands,  my mood did a sudden 180 degree turnaround.

We all find ourselves in circumstances that test our limits of tolerance.  Here are several ideas to consider when those moments arise:

• Venting – whether it’s a scream, bewailing your fate to a best friend, or sticking your head under the covers, the important thing is to unload your feelings of frustration and anger and then engage your best coping tools and skills.
• Real vs. ideal – sometimes what’s second best can feel like winning the lottery; flexibility, creativity and realistic expectations will go a long way.
• Too much stimulation – take a deep breath, find a peaceful setting and eliminate all the background “noise” in the various (and often stressful), areas of your life.
• Back-up plans – although it’s not possible to second guess everything, contingency planning can help allay anxieties and offer other alternatives.
• Overcommitted and overwhelmed – cut back on commitments, reassess obligations and concentrate on the essentials, focusing on one day or one task at a time.
• Supportive environments – nothing is more uplifting than having the love, care, optimism and wisdom of friends, family and all concerned parties.
• Gratitude attitudes – being grateful in the midst of trials and tribulations may seem counter-intuitive, but that’s actually when centering on ALL the things (the seemingly insignificant, too), that bring your joy, fulfillment, satisfaction and hope become most uplifting and inspiring.

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!