Thanks for reminding me of the serenity prayer. I try to keep that in mind when I'm really stressed out.

I think we make our own stress. I too am currently on disability and there is no certainty about my returning to work. When my condition first became worse, I was forced to leave one of the five part-time jobs I was currently working (at age 62). I also dropped another one a couple months later because I couldn't physically do the work any more. I am still doing the other three part-time jobs (well, when/if I get off full disability) and am looking forward to being able to get out and about again. Living in a rural area and not able to drive is also frustrating (read stressful). In the meantime, I've found three other avenues to direct my energy from home--not as fulfilling as what I want to go back to, but better than moping. Time really drags with nothing to do. Prayer has also been a big help. I've tried to live that serenity prayer for years and find it comforting also.

Kate and others. I did the same as you but the thing that jumped out at me was the fact that I don't want to spend my eternity without those I love. And there are several who, in my teaching, will not spend eternity with me. So the urgency I face is to try to explain the basis of Christian belief so my eternity will be blessed to have them with me. I do not save people, just encourage them to understand our creater's love. This focus on God's work will bring great peace and senerity to your life. Peace.

Kate and others. I did the same as you but the thing that jumped out at me was the fact that I don't want to spend my eternity without those I love. And there are several who, in my teaching, will not spend eternity with me. So the urgency I face is to try to explain the basis of Christian belief so my eternity will be blessed to have them with me. I do not save people, just encourage them to understand our creater's love. This focus on God's work will bring great peace and senerity to your life. Peace.

Kate, unfortunately I can relate to your post. I've now been on disability for 2+ years. The job stress is obviously gone, but I miss the life I once had. My teenage son seriously also needed my fulltime attention and my own health condition worsened. I'm trying to find my way. Sometimes the day is fine; a lot of days it's not. But I'll keep trying, praying, moving forward, crying, whatever the day brings I try to stay in faith and know that I will be fine. I think volunteering in an organization I'm interested in, if I'm physically able, will be a good thing for me and will help others too. Maybe that's something that would be helpful for you. Best regards!

The statement "There is nothing in my life that is urgent." jumped out at me. I think we become used to our chemical reaction to stress, which then becomes necessary to motivate us. I had a 5 year period of intense struggle with a school regarding my daughter's special education services. I ended up depressed as well. When the stress of the situation was over, when life improved, I still found myself gravitating toward challenges in a related area, effectively exchanging one stress for another. I am working with a therapist and am slowly recovering my ability to enjoy serenity as well as the fulfillment of challenging work. It is hard work though and I need the support of counseling. Hope it helps.

I am wrestling with stress issues from the other side: Having left a fulfilling career and now not working during a self-selected "sabbatical" during which my intention is to explore and identify what is next for me, what will have my heart soar, I find that I am still struggle with stress and perhaps also depression at times. What about the stress of no-stress? Is there such a phenomenon? There is nothing now in my life that is urgent, though there are people, relationships and activities that are important, even vital, for my well being. Balance is still a struggle: How to maintain serenity while being distracted by ever-present self doubt about the value of my choices. Leaving work did not have the balancing effect I had expected. Is anyone else out there in a similar situation?