He has problems with his new employer, who's making unreasonable demands on his time. The boss wants him to work more hours, without giving him notice. Since he's the new guy on the job, it's hard to say no.
In addition, his ex asks him to cough up extra money for school clothes for their child. And, even though he pays support, he wants to give additional help. But because he recently started working he doesn't have the money.
He also has a sick relative living with him, someone who needs extra attention. His wife's car needs repairs. A bill collector keeps calling. And so on.
As he tells me about these challenges I sense his anxiety rising. He has so much going on that it will eventually affect his health. His appetite is off. His sleep is disrupted. And it could affect his sobriety.
I tell him to cut through the busyness and put himself first. Otherwise he's not going to be able to deal with his challenges for long.
When he protests that he doesn't have the time, I disagree. I suggest that he rise 30 minutes to an hour early each day to do some light exercise. Or perhaps he can learn to mediate or do visualization. Anything to take his mind off of his challenges for a few moments and reduce his stress.
I direct him to the thousands of free resources on the internet available to teach us stress reduction and time management. Within minutes he'll be able to locate something to help him live better.
To change our lives we only have to believe we can do it and an answer will show up. It takes action.
