CHAPTER 1Stress: What’s All the Fuss?
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
—William James (American philosopher and psychologist)
Belinda had been preparing for this day weeks in advance. Her team was counting on her to fly to their head office in New York to present their new plan for the year. It involved a substantial increase in funding and a new direction for their division that would trigger many questions from the senior managers. Belinda could justify the new plan better than anyone, as she was most responsible for putting all the pieces together.
She woke up fresh and alert. She would take her kids to school on her way to the airport. She chose a flight that allowed her some relaxing time in the lounge at the airport. However, after looking out the window, she realized there was an obstacle she hadn’t considered. Her driveway was completely covered in snow, and the snow removal guy she hired hadn’t arrived yet. She suddenly felt a mild panic. Her heart started beating faster, and her face became a bit flushed.
She counted to five, and then told herself she still had lots of time.
“Be positive,” she thought. She could work this out.
She woke her kids and got them to help her start shoveling the snow in the meantime. The snow was heavy and deep, and the clock was ticking. She hoped school would be cancelled, but unfortunately, the school district sent a text notifying parents that all the city schools were open.
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