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	<title>WIRL Project &#187; Stress</title>
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	<description>What It&#039;s Really Like.</description>
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		<title>The Question That Made Me Realize My Stress Was Hurting My Husband. A Lot.</title>
		<link>http://www.wirlproject.com/the-question-that-made-me-realize-my-stress-was-hurting-my-husband-a-lot/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wirlproject.com/the-question-that-made-me-realize-my-stress-was-hurting-my-husband-a-lot/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:30:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Kerr]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Love/Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[busyness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Husband]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[What It's Really Like]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WIRL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wirlproject.com/?p=8503</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last year I came across a blog post that encouraged me to ask a question, just one question, of my spouse. The couple who wrote the article said it did wonders in their marriage, so I tried it. I asked Kyle, “What do you need from me?” I fully expected him to answer something related to him, to his love languages, something like, “I need more encouragement and support from you regarding my job” or “I need more quality time with you.” His answer broke my heart. “I need you to be less stressed.” Remember the post I wrote last April? There are no April goals this month? I wrote that post in the midst of a really stressful, icky season of life. I was nearly killing myself trying to do everything and be everything, and it was taking a major toll on my health. To start with, I had horrible insomnia. I would wake up most nights at 2 or 3 a.m., my mind racing and heart beating fast, and never fall back sleep. I was also having mild anxiety attacks at work. I actually sought out counseling, because the girl with the “I can fix anything” mentality was at a loss for how to make the anxiety go away. Normally, I was pretty good at juggling an overloaded schedule and the stress that went with it. This was pretty out of control. In the midst of all the madness, I was so focused on myself and the craziness I’d allowed into my life. I didn’t realize the toll my stress was taking on Kyle. Kyle was literally experiencing trouble breathing when he was around me. My stress and anxiety was partly to blame for the weird, deep breaths I noticed he had been taking. It was a strange new habit that he couldn’t control. Kyle’s answer to my question, “What do you need from me?” shouldn’t have surprised me, but it totally did. His answer changed so much. It turned my problem from one in which I felt like a victim to stress into a problem in which I realized that, through my stress and busyness, I was actually victimizing and hurting the man I love most. Kyle and I decided to take a week off of work and head on a road trip to our favorite part of the country, the South. I shut off the rest of the world for a week. I’m getting emotional typing this as I think about what a difference that trip made. That trip was a game changer. I became myself again. I was the fun, happy, goofy Diana that Kyle loved and missed so much. I missed her, too. On the way home, we resolved to not let that Diana go away again. Life was not magically transformed when we got home, but that change in mindset has been absolutely huge in dealing with my stress and busyness since then. I’m not perfect, and I definitely still freak out sometimes, but the improvement is very noticeable. (I’m also happy to say Kyle is back to breathing normally.) What do you think your man would say if you asked him this question? Maybe he would say something similar. Even if he didn’t answer the way Kyle did, I bet most men would agree that they’d love for their girlfriends/fiancées/ wives to be less stressed out. I think that’s a powerful motivation for us as women, to not only guard ourselves from unhealthy amounts of stress, but to guard our marriages and relationships from that as well. Wanna know my main goal related to stress and my marriage? My goal is not to never ever have stress or ever feel overwhelmed again. That’s not realistic. Plus, stress is actually not always as bad for us as we think. My goal with my stress is to keep it at a level that I can be authentic with Kyle about my feelings without overwhelming him. If I am way too stressed out to be able to accomplish that goal, it means I have to either 1) hide how I’m truly feeling from Kyle in order to protect him or 2) let it out and be okay with causing him anxiety. I’m not okay with either of those options, so I’m working to avoid them. Girl, I believe God wants to use your life in a meaningful way. I believe he has plans for you, and specifically plans for how your marriage or relationship will produce fruit by serving others and pointing others to him. Don’t allow stress and busyness to hurt that plan. Get intentional about how you spend your days. Most of all, pray for God’s strength and peace and that it would permeate you and your marriage. I’ve got your back, and God does, too!]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Selflessly Saying YES to Self-Care!</title>
		<link>http://www.wirlproject.com/selflessly-saying-yes-to-self-care/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wirlproject.com/selflessly-saying-yes-to-self-care/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2015 08:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Alisha Askew]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health/Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life/Leisure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love/Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chaos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comfort]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Enabling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mother]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rejuvenate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Selflessly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wirlproject.com/?p=6825</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Self-care, self-care, self-care AHHHHHHhhhhh! What is all of this self-care talk about!?! As mothers, even though our schedules seems to get tied up somehow some way, studies show that when you allow time for “self”, life will become more rewarding and less stressful despite the chaos. I want to warn you, self-care IS NOT based solely on indulging in the “short term feel good activities” such as comfort foods, TV, pedicures, or shopping sprees. Although these are all great and fun activities, an excess of these can actually elevate one’s stress level, doing more harm than good! Also…recognize that self-care is not selfish. First of all understand that practicing self-care is preventative and it is anything but selfish. Secondly, the amount of self-care that you allow yourself reciprocates from the amount of self-love that you have for yourself. It becomes a revolving door when we do not learn to love ourselves completely or value who we are and own our worth. At that point we become the victim and feel as if life, motherhood, our careers, or marriage is restricting and limiting the time that we are able to take for ourselves. And as a result… our life seems to move farther and farther away from being vibrant, passionate, and what we truly desire. Self-care, in a nut shell, refers to being consciously mindful of your daily life and taking personal responsibility for your complete wellbeing; your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual health. Breaking it down a little deeper, my definition of S.E.L.F C.A.R.E is: Selflessly Enabling Love For Comforting And Rejuvenating Energy So let’s examine S.E.L.F C.A.R.E a little closer so that you can boldly make it a non-negotiable: Selflessly - Since we know that self-care is a preventative action to better enhance our health and wellbeing, not only for ourselves but for the people around us, we need to set the feelings of guilt, worry, and abandonment free! Be empowered that you unselfishly LOVE yourself, and you are selflessly taking care of self so that you can continue to give to those around you. Enabling - YES! You are giving yourself permission that “ME TIME” is a priority because you understand that YOU are significant and that you add value to the world around you. Say YES to yourself every day! Make YES a natural way of living and loving life. Love - You love yourself right? But how much do you love yourself? How deep in your heart does your love reach? Self-care is an act of love. When you connect with yourself through self-care engagements that enrich your mind, body or soul you are deepening the LOVE, the bond, the relationship, the trust, affection, and awareness that you have with yourself. You should have a best friend relationship with yourself, not a love-hate, frenemy relationship. When you boldly choose to make self-care a non-negotiable, you are not only saying YES to yourself but you are also saying, “I love ME”! And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! You should have a best friend relationship with yourself, not a love-hate, frenemy relationship. For - With the object or purpose of; Showing love to yourself for comfort and rejuvenation. Comforting - At the end of the day, after we have exerted all of our energy in different spaces, places and people, we are too tired to even think about using any energy on ourselves; if we even have any left! That is why self-care is preventative and should be prioritized in your daily schedule. So instead of feeling empty by the end of the day, we have already took conscious actions to comfort and nurture ourselves which boosts our emotional and mental wellbeing, keeping us calm, cool and collective throughout the day. And - A part of speech that connects two words or phrases; Comforting and Rejuvenating Rejuvenating - Not only does self-care comforts us, giving us a more carefree energy to fuel ourselves, but it also rejuvenates us; energizes and radiates our natural charisma. This is where our glow, ambiance, our “secret sauce” attracts people to us. Energy - How do you want people to remember YOU today? Your energy can either affect or infect not only yourself but your peers, family, friends, dog, etc. Self-care sets the tone for an increased and positive energy. When you love yourself, are mindful of your value and worth, you are less vulnerable and susceptible letting “life and all of its curve balls” get to you. Do not show up in the world as the malnourished, empty, and exhausted you, instead, show up FULLY as the glowing, wholehearted, and refreshed YOU! Do not show up in the world as the malnourished, empty, and exhausted you, instead, show up FULLY as the glowing, wholehearted, and refreshed YOU! When you combine S.E.L.F C.A.R.E all together it reads: Unselfishly giving permission to show love to yourself with the purpose of boosting and energizing your wellbeing so that you can be your naturally vibrant self. Your body is a temple and no matter how strong you are, we are delicate flowers that require consistent nurturing, tender love, and care. Deepen the love that you have for yourself and make self-care a non-negotiable so that you can begin living that vibrant and passionate life that you desire and deserve! What does self-care mean to you? How do you “care” for yourself? I would love to hear the self-care activities that release a comforting and rejuvenating energy to boost your wellbeing! Please share in the comments below! &#160; &#160; &#160;]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Rest Now or Pay Later: Importance of a Sabbath Day</title>
		<link>http://www.wirlproject.com/rest-now-or-pay-later-importance-of-a-sabbath-day/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wirlproject.com/rest-now-or-pay-later-importance-of-a-sabbath-day/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2015 09:00:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Alisha Askew]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health/Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life/Leisure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mompreneur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motherhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wirlproject.com/?p=6321</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Why has living in the hustle and bustle of life become the new norm; where every waking second of our day is preoccupied with “something that absolutely has to get done, no matter what”? The only time that we truly think about taking a break is when we have over exerted ourselves and are burnt out. Can you honestly enjoy your break when you are, at that point, too tired to rest? Can you honestly enjoy your break when you are, at that point, too tired to rest? Last week started off very exciting and then ended with overwhelm. I launched my new Shine Bright Bold &#38; Beautiful mini 5 Day eCourse which empowers mothers to overcome self-doubt and overflow in self-empowerment! I made a big business no-no of completing each video and content on the same day that the eCourse was sent out to subscribers, so I always felt behind and time restricted. By end of day Friday, there was a complete difference in my temperament, my focus, and my motivation. All I can say is that I don’t think that I have experienced a happier entrepreneur moment than when I submit that last and final mini eCourse video to my subscribers! However, the sad thing was… I was so anxious to start another project on Saturday, despite any overwhelm and fatigue that I was feeling from that week. As soon as I picked up my computer to start another task, the words “Just Rest” came to me. That is when I started thinking about the Sabbath and how I told myself over a month ago that I was going to start resting on Saturdays. I slowly put my computer on the table and a sense of peace flowed throughout my entire body. No guilt. No remorse. Just an inner peace and stillness that my body, especially my mind was yearning! That is when I started thinking about the Sabbath and how I told myself over a month ago that I was going to start resting on Saturdays. I slowly put my computer on the table and a sense of peace flowed throughout my entire body. No guilt. No remorse. The thought of taking a day of Sabbath, or a rest day, is naturally frowned upon as we have been conditioned to work, work, work! In the beginning, I was even uncomfortable with myself for saying, “Today is my day of rest!” As the day went on, I felt like I achieved a major accomplishment of cherishing the moment, celebrating my Sunday-Friday work efforts, and being at peace with myself to take a load off, be easy, and “just rest”. So what exactly did I do on this day of rest? I did everything that may have been unintentionally neglected throughout the chaotic week. I prayed, meditated, and read in the morning, noon, and evening. I truly enjoyed quality time with my son and family. I released the negative energy from the week. I opened my mind and my heart so that I could more easily receive the guidance that I yearn on my purpose driven journey. I took a beautiful, rejuvenating, and well needed nap. And I just enjoyed the day for what it was. The benefits of rest and relaxation are endless, and many are priceless to the one and only precious life that we are given. During the week I may find some “Me Time” to balance all of the pressures from the day, but I am claiming Saturday as my day of Sabbath; my day of rest! I would love to hear how you find time to “Just Rest” and what are some of your favorite things to do during this so called “frowned upon” down time that is well needed and highly deserved?]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Cats: What They&#8217;re Really Thinking</title>
		<link>http://www.wirlproject.com/cats-what-theyre-really-thinking/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wirlproject.com/cats-what-theyre-really-thinking/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2015 22:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[WIRL Project]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Life/Leisure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Bradshaw]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[What Cats Are Really Thinking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wirlproject.com/?p=4577</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes do you look at you pet and wonder what they&#8217;re thinking? If you have a cat, you may be intrigued to learn what&#8217;s going on in their head. Apparently cats don&#8217;t &#8220;get&#8221; humans in the same way that dogs do, in that, dogs categorize humans as something different than themselves, and cat&#8217;s kind of consider humans as a bigger version of one of their own. After some research, John Bradshaw, a cat behavior expert, had some very interesting findings about cats and how they perceive the world around them. Bradshaw also mentions that cats can be more stressed than they appear to be, especially if they are forced to live with other cats. This mental stress can lead to skin conditions and bladder swelling! Whoa! So, if you&#8217;re a cat lover, take a look at this very interesting article, written by Christine Dell&#8217;Amore from National Geographic explaining what your cat is really thinking or feeling&#8230;it might explain a lot!]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Stress Doesn&#8217;t Last Forever</title>
		<link>http://www.wirlproject.com/stress-doesnt-last-forever/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wirlproject.com/stress-doesnt-last-forever/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2015 02:00:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kassidy Everard]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life/Leisure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love/Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wirlproject.com/?p=3356</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[From time to time we all stress out about something. Whether it be school, work, friends or family, stress seems to be the &#8220;dark cloud&#8221; in our daily lives. There may be times when you think that you might as well give up, times when you think nothing could be worse! But that doesn&#8217;t have to be the case! Turning to television for comfort is something that we are all guilty of. Often, we take hours out of the days activities to sit and do absolutely nothing. But if we are doing nothing, then how do we feel better after that nothing is done? The truth is that we all need to take a day for ourselves. Sit at home, watch t.v. maybe even whip out that quart of ice cream that has been sitting in the freezer for a day like this.  I think that a perfect way to push some stress off of your shoulders is to watch Gone With the Wind. Not only do you now have a perfectly good excuse for why you were &#8220;unreachable&#8221; for four hours, but you also just learned something new that just might be the thing to cure your stress. If Scarlet O&#8217;Hara just came to mind, then you know exactly what I am talking about.  Scarlet lets things bother her only for a brief moment, but she soon pushes the pain right off of her shoulder by saying, &#8220;I can&#8217;t think about that right now. If I do, I&#8217;ll go crazy. I&#8217;ll think about that tomorrow.&#8221; Repeating this line to yourself every day, even if it be only once, will most likely make you feel stronger as a person, smarter as a human-being, and most importantly less stressed! So for anything that is on your mind right now, whether it be past, present, or future problems you will face, take a deep breath and tell yourself, &#8221; I can&#8217;t think about that right now. If I do, I&#8217;ll go crazy. I&#8217;ll think about that tomorrow.&#8221; &#160;]]></description>
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