Stress and Humor

So I think one way to look at stress, when you CAN look at it objectively without being consumed or overwhelmed by it, is to see that it is kind of like fire is to the sword. It burns, but it makes you stronger. I am one of those who can easily be turned negative under enough stress. I often resort to a "Direct Leadership Style" and become snappy and profane. I can be demanding and down right "Un-Fun." It takes a lot of patience and understanding on my part to control such foolish tendencies, and yes, I am constantly struggling. When I notice that I have become rather negative, and it begins to way on my conscience, I generally try to rethink how I look at things. Yes, sometimes I am negative and I don't care. Sometimes I WANT to be snappy and directing. But I generally can't do it for long without feeling guilty. (Necessary times of life and death situations aside.) I don't like making others feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. I wouldn't want to be treated with any form of contempt or disregard and I don't feel others should be treated that way by me. Especially kids, they can hang on to harsh statements and feelings for a really long time. They seldom understand why someone might act in such a manner. So I try to find humor in the struggles, and I also like to look around for someone who needs help. Also the only kids I treat harshly are my own, because they understand the nature of military discipline and they also know that I "Direct" and don't condemn or belittle. One of my boys told me an old joke. I know, it's rather lame, but I couldn't help but laugh because I was contemplating my negativity and general viewpoint at the time.

A young man, distraught and full of stress goes to see his psychiatrist. He informs the doc about these weird dreams he's been having. "Doc, I'm really confused, one night I had a dream I was a tepee, the the next night I had a dream that I was a wigwam. What am I supposed to make of these dreams doc?" The doc ponders for a fews moments then leans forward and says, "Son, relax, you're just two tents."

The wisdom of kids. I really have to stop over thinking this stuff and trying to figure it all out on my own.