What would happen if you take that massive mountain of stress and discomfort and make it into little hills? Much more manageable, isn’t it? So, slow down and ask yourself: what exactly is stressing me out? How specifically could I lower the level of this pain? Where can I adjust the pressure I experience? 

Since you and I are often too close to investigate this problem in detail for ourselves, let’s create an image the mind can play with. In this instance, if you were a car -- (As you move through this process, you’ll surprise yourself. Your subconscious mind loves stories and will create the perfect image of the type of car that is you. Have fun!)

To begin, settle into a comfortable place. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Now another. Relax and let your mind wander.   

If you are a car, what kind of car are you? What size? Are you a large car? An SUV? A sports car? A hot rod? A truck?

How many people do you comfortably carry? Is it five people? Seven? 10? Or just one or two?

How many people do you usually haul around? More than your comfort level? Fewer? Just right?

What is your source of fuel? Friendships? Food? Beverages? A walk? Quiet?  

What is your tank’s capacity? If it’s large, you have a lot of energy. If small, not so much. 

How far apart are your fuel stations? Do you go and go until there’s nothing left? Or do you stop and refuel as needed?

What price do you pay? Can you afford it? Is your lifestyle itself causing you stress?

What are your warning signs? When do you need a tune-up? How do you know when life is running a little rough?

How much time do you spend looking in your rear-view mirror? Is the past consuming you or do you have a big front window to the future?

Does your radio get music or are you just tuned into static? What are you saying to yourself? Can you control the chit chat in your mind? 

What’s your speed limit? Going too fast for the conditions? Too slowly?

What’s your accelerator and who steps on it? Are you in charge? Or is someone else?

Who or what recharges your battery? Curious question.

Are there back seat drivers in your car? Kibitzers can cause stress.

What is the safety belt that keeps you from crashing? Does your body let you know? A trusted friend? Your dog?

Does your automatic choke work or do you always idle too fast? Revving your engine as you sit in neutral?

Is your antenna in one place? Or does it reach out and pull in many other sources? How useful is the information you’re receiving?

How do you feel about getting a flat tire? How clean is your windshield? Okay with the inconveniences of life? Are you clearly seeing your world?

Where’s your trunk (that hidden place inside)? Who has the key?

How well do you perform in traffic? Are you on overload? Or nicely going with the flow?

Have a better picture of your life? Your perception of your stress? What changes will you make to ease your tension? Enjoy your life! It’s time to live unstuck.