STRESS

I used to think I was a really stressed out person, and really negative, until I lived with my brother in London for a year, and realised what real stress and negativity was. Living with him really put things into perspective. I hate speaking ill of my family, and it's not a comment to be derogatory at all. He now lives in Hong Kong and I hope he is much happier there, but after living with him in London, I realised I could never put a price on my health, and would never do a job which jeopardised my health and my mental stability, and that whatever it is I do musn't in any way suppress who I am and the dreams that I have. I never want to put things on hold again. It's made me glad, in time, to be doing what I do. Too often, and especially in London, I was phased by young graduates and professionals who were working in big businesses and stuff, but now I see that as not something I'd want to be or do. I want to preserve my youth and spirit, and don't want my soul sucked out by some corporation, completely drained and bored by the time I'm 40.

Recently, I've noticed more things that put life into perspective, and also, I've met people who are either incredibly negative and full of stress or who breeze through life happily and patiently. There is no secret I guess, just coping mechanisms and self acceptance. I think a lot of my understanding of life now is simply down to age. I am so glad that I have finally got out of what was emotional turmoil and unnessesary stress in my late teens and early twenties. I guess I've been more of a depressed person than a stressed person, but since things have changed in my life this year, I am not depressed at all. My situation was entirely different six months ago, and I have since learnt at work that I love a bit of stress, it's good for you.

Today is my day off and in all grand day off style I stayed in bed till 10, had pizza for breakfast, going to watch some dvds and drink lots of water. My little brother came back from Afghanistan last week by the way, and isn't going back. Talking of stress and work... I don't think it gets much worse than being in one of the most dangerous parts of the world for your job.