Dear Stress, You’re Not the Boss of Me

Dear Stress,

We need to talk. For too long, you’ve acted like the boss of my mind, my energy, and even my choices. You sneak in and narrow my vision, making me believe there’s no way out. You convince me that exhaustion is the new normal.

But here’s the truth: you are not the authority here.

Every time I let myself play, you lose your grip. A walk along the lakefront, a bike ride with the wind in my hair, a few rounds of corn hole on a sunny afternoon — these simple moments remind me of who I really am. They unlock my creativity, my resilience, and my life force.

Neuroscience tells me that play and novelty release dopamine, helping my brain rewire itself for clarity and flow. Spirit tells me these moments are sacred — invitations to return to joy and to remember that life was never meant to be lived in constant tension.

So no, Stress. You don’t get to run the show anymore.

I am choosing play.

I am choosing laughter.

I am choosing to let my life force move freely again.

And every time I do, your power shrinks, and mine expands.

Sincerely (and playfully),

A woman reclaiming her freedom