Winners vs Stress Captives

I read a recent horoscope by Holiday Mathis.

"Stress is a function of arguing with reality.  Essentially, it's from not wanting things to be the way they are.  Stress eases when you accept the state of things and work within them instead of wasting energy believing they should be different."

Anxiety and worry often take control of our lives as we constantly battle with what is actually happening and what we want to happen.  Neither anxiety or worry change the situation,  The only resolution to this conflict is to realize that life happens.  It is our response and attitude to life that help us endure to achieve greater dreams.  I have met many individuals who have survived unimaginable situations such as concentration camps, abuse, trauma, rape, death of multiple family and friends, natural disasters, etc.

The "winner" survivors often had creative open minds to future potential achievements. They just accepted the circumstances that occurred, did not place blame on anyone, and looked ahead to take one day at a time. They resolved to overcome obstacles and begin a new life journey. They did not wallow in anger, frustration, blame, discouragement, or depression.

The "winners" did not see themselves as courageous, heroic or determined.  They simply know that life is often unpredictable and sometimes harsh. They rise to the challenge and become stronger spiritually, morally, physically and emotionally. "Winners" remain in control of their own destiny and make choices from an inner power. Each of us have the strength to no longer remain a captive to stress. We have the power to rise above unavoidable difficulties to become strong and independent as we continuously deal with the reality of life.  Stress drains our positive energy with negative results. The answer may be to simply accept that life is never going to be the way we want it.  Instead, life is what we make it. 
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What Do My Actions Say?

"Actions speak louder than words, let your words teach and your actions speak." 
St Anthony of Padua

There are many words that we can use to explain our beliefs, religion, philosophy, politics, relationships, and intentions.  Often we are guided by religious guidelines, governmental rules and regulations, familial or ethnic traditions, or self imposed behavioral restrictions. It is often easier to settle into routine adherence to expectations instead of fully experiencing spontaneous opportunities to reach out emotionally and spiritually to others.

Externally we can "follow the rules" and appear to be model citizens, parishioners, neighbors and friends. We can say the right words and express the right intentions while giving rules and regulations a central part of our lives.

The true internalization of these guidelines that are taught verbally are effectively reflected when our actions "speak" for us without words by our compelling, sincere example. Children especially internalize what they experience rather than guidance of words only.  There is often a disconnect between spoken words that are meaningless responses of polite expectations instead of actual feelings and intentions.

What do my actions say about me?  Are needs of people more important than merely following the expectations of society?

St. Mother Teresa used her hand to show the need of reaching out with actions instead of just words.  She said each of the five fingers of her hand related to the five words:  "You Do It To Me." We are sometimes the answer to someone's prayer because we step forward to reach out to a person in need. We have opportunities every day to make a difference in the lives of others through our actions.