Stress Management

I think a miracle happened this summer...

On June 11, I decided to go to a 'general session' at LCCC to see what school was all about in the event I wanted to sign up. I went. I talked with an admission counselor. Later in the week, I took the assessment test; this got me into the English class I wanted and the pre-algrebra class I expected.

I had looked through the summer class schedule. I realized summer classes had begun May 31st. Eight week classes began on the 15th. I wasn't about to begin a class the week before the graduation party! That left two five-week classes that began on June 30. I attempted to register for both. One was full. The other I got in.

Stress Management. The laughter part was that the class met at 8:00 a.m. We're talking about an heretofore non-morning person and a definite night owl. I paid for the course. Bought the book.

As I looked through the text, I began to see that this was an in-depth class and nothing to do with fluff. I was interested in what I saw in the text. It didn't hurt that one of the two authors was from Utah.

The course has been life-changing for me. The instructor if fine and has enough enthusiasm, humor, and humility that the class works for me. There is a LOT of reading. There are assignments to turn in every day. These and other things are on the college's computer system. I can log-in and access my records -- classes, grades, assignments, power-point presentations from class -- it's more fun this way. I'm working really hard and I'm glad I only got one class. Mornings are good, too.

I'm learning so much about how to control stressors in life along with a whole new vocabulary, a lot of actual techniques to learn about relieving stress, and guidance -- in text or in class -- to figure out more about what's important and what's not and how to manage the difference.

It's my belief that getting into this class was not coincidental, but guided because God knows where I am and that now was the time for this course to help me progress and grow where I needed it most and was ready to learn. It's all a great feeling...