pressure vs. stress.

when people ask me if i'm stressed at work, or with any major endeavor that i'm undertaking -- i almost always answer, "no, i'm just pressured."

i believe that there's a big difference between the two.

i think pressure is something that comes from external 'forces' (usually people) around you... stuff you have no control over. for instance, there's pressure from your parents about what course to take in college... or pressure because of an upcoming deadline at work... or pressure from your boyfriend to lose weight (or else)... or pressure from peers to get drunk.

on the other hand, stress is something that comes from within... it's something you should have full control over. to get stressed (or be stressed) is a decision one actually makes. for instance, you can get stressed about the uber kulit parents who are nagging you take up a particular course in college... or get stressed with all the uber rush deadlines at work... or get stressed because your boyfriend wants you to lose weight (or else)... or get stressed because your friends are teasing you when you don't want to drink with them.

you think you don't have a choice about getting stressed. but actually, you do.

i refuse to get stressed out over anything. i try to always keep cool when trials come my way and remind myself that "this too shall pass". i also try to remind myself constantly that God is in charge and He always finds a way. i tell myself that i need to "let go and let God."

definitely, there are a lot of potentially stressful situations that surround me every day. and sometimes, i'll get frustrated, upset, annoyed or harassed. but thank goodness i can still say with a smile, "no, i'm not stressed... i'm just pressured." :-)