Under Pressure

I believe that stress is a result of our mindset; thinking that we have no option or way out from a problem. Nowadays, stress is associated with a lot of things, especially in the cosmopolitan city, Jakarta.  Every day, there are always people who mention how stressed out they are due to traffic jams, heavy work load, or an irritating client/  colleague. For women who are still single, the pressure is doubled by “When are you going to get married?” questions raised (by family and friends).

It’s understandable that city people then search for places where they can soothe their ‘pain’. From hip cafés to prestigious vacation destinations, their motto is ‘work hard, play hard’. A dear friend of mine would be restless if she doesn’t have any plans at weekends. Part of it is because weekends are ‘the catch’ of the week, something to look forward to every day at work…an escapism. Another part of it is because it is almost “challenging” to stay put and enjoy the stillness.

Going to fancy places can be relaxing indeed for recreation is necessary. However, if we can’t make peace and accept the daily traffic jams, heavy work load, irritating client/  colleague and/or marriage-related questions, we would remain stressful. Remember, nobody (and nothing) can hurt us without our consent.

We always have options; whether to live with it or leave from it. In any other way, life’s challenges will always be present. What matters is the choices we make on how we live our lives. It’s all right to be upset when something doesn’t come out as we expected, but don’t get too carried away. As happiness that will always come to an end, so does sadness. It’s what the cycle of life is all about.