Can you remember a time in your life when you were totally free of stress? - White Lotus Inspired (1 Viewer)

[Hoh]

I think we (or at least me) have always been stressed about something. As we get older and wiser we learn to deal with it better or we look back with perspective and realize it was something dumb to be stressed about. But that doesn’t mean the stress wasn’t real at the time.

Totally agree but would add that the more trauma you go through and get past the easier life should get. My existance from birth to adolescence was pretty hellish so this adult life is easy street.

Somewhere along the line I had an epiphany - I have been in far worse situations and I made it out. I have always been quick on my feet and good under pressure.

The past hurdles should give me the confidence that “I can do this”. Now I have done so many things that I don’t even have to give myself the pep talk.

That’s just a great outlook. Thanks for sharing.

 

[AAABatteries]

And let’s state the obvious - when I take a gummy.

Which is why many folks take them.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

And let’s state the obvious - when I take a gummy.

Which is why many folks take them.

With the caveat that i occasionally take to much and freak out a little

 

[nirad3]

Totally free of stress? I don't think I've ever been this way, even as a baby

But even with pretty significant day-to-day anxiety, there are times nowadays where stress is at quite the minimum. I can think of a lot of situations where I'm absolutely mellow without a care in the world.

 

[SWC]

i had a dream last night that i was being chased by none other than an evil milchick from severence inside a futuristic apartment building and i was outside on a cool deck patio up a level and he was below me trying to climb up but i had on ice crampons over my tennis shoes for some reason and was able to kick him right in the kisser causing him to fall off the side of the building and then i drank a tab cola from a bottle and i woke up at about 4 am totally heart pounding in my chest and never got back to sleep as a result and that was definitely not stress free although the tab was pretty damned refreshing as always take that to the bank brohans

 

[Alex P Keaton]

College when I had time to sit around drinking beer, eating Cheetos and watching Baywatch

 

[rockaction]

Back in 1997 I was as happy as I was ever going to be. A girlfriend I loved madly, great friendships, and embarking on a career I thought I would love.

Fast forward to 1999 and I was a problem drinker and drugger who had lost the girlfriend, felt alienated from everything, and was subject to panic attacks. What a ride that must have been and I’m not sure how it all happened. But ‘97-‘98 was the apex of my life. Everything else has been found wanting in comparison.

 

[Gatorade]

I would have to say 1968-70 would probably have been the least stressful of my life. I was 11-13 at the time. My best friends were the preachers kids and I hung out at their house almost every day. We played baseball, basketball, wiffleball, football and rode our bikes all day. We loved baseball cards and a new game called strat-o-matic baseball. I knew every statistic from every player those years. Bob Gibson and his 1.12 ERA to Carl Yastremski and his .301 BA. We used those cards to draft players and have our own leagues. Pete Rose was my favorite player, because like him I was not the most talented physically but I sure could hustle.
Then my Dad drowned in a boating accident. All of a sudden I felt like I was the man of the house. I quit playing games and started working. For the next 10-15 years I worked hard and partied hard. There was no such thing as grief counselors back then. It could have really helped.

 

[Gally]

My best friends were the preachers kids and I hung out at their house almost every day.

Yeah, but they didn't allow dancing in the town until that new kid showed up.....

 

[Courtjester]

I was diagnosed as a type one diabetic early on (age 7) so even though I grew up with a great family, there was always that health stress. I think the only little time period where I didn't feel stress was right after high school. I just started dating my wife. Still living at home. I was working and had money. I was partying with my close-knit, large group of friends all the time. We all were pretty carefree and just living in the moment with the only worry being where is the next case of beer coming from. Those were great times but way too short lived.

Then the pressure comes to get in school, get a career, get married, buy a house, have kids Of course, once that last thing happens, there is no hope of a day without stress. My girls are 25 and 20, but there isn't a day where something doesn't come up that they need our help with. I retired two years ago at 54 and I am still waiting for those relaxing golden years to kick in.

 

[General Malaise]

I would have to say 1968-70 would probably have been the least stressful of my life. I was 11-13 at the time. My best friends were the preachers kids and I hung out at their house almost every day. We played baseball, basketball, wiffleball, football and rode our bikes all day. We loved baseball cards and a new game called strat-o-matic baseball. I knew every statistic from every player those years. Bob Gibson and his 1.12 ERA to Carl Yastremski and his .301 BA. We used those cards to draft players and have our own leagues. Pete Rose was my favorite player, because like him I was not the most talented physically but I sure could hustle.
Then my Dad drowned in a boating accident. All of a sudden I felt like I was the man of the house. I quit playing games and started working. For the next 10-15 years I worked hard and partied hard. There was no such thing as grief counselors back then. It could have really helped.

Wow.......that's really tough man. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how challenging that must have been.

If it helps, I really enjoy your contributions in the FFA and would love to share a Gatorade with you if the stars aligned.

 

[General Malaise]

Back in 1997 I was as happy as I was ever going to be. A girlfriend I loved madly, great friendships, and embarking on a career I thought I would love.

Fast forward to 1999 and I was a problem drinker and drugger who had lost the girlfriend, felt alienated from everything, and was subject to panic attacks. What a ride that must have been and I’m not sure how it all happened. But ‘97-‘98 was the apex of my life. Everything else has been found wanting in comparison.

I wasn't giving a Thumbs Up to your back story; more of a head nod for telling us about it.

I find you fascinating. I think you're brilliant and the backstory helps me understand some of your complexities as a person.

Wishing you a very happy and stress free balance of Rock Life.

 

[Gatorade]

I would have to say 1968-70 would probably have been the least stressful of my life. I was 11-13 at the time. My best friends were the preachers kids and I hung out at their house almost every day. We played baseball, basketball, wiffleball, football and rode our bikes all day. We loved baseball cards and a new game called strat-o-matic baseball. I knew every statistic from every player those years. Bob Gibson and his 1.12 ERA to Carl Yastremski and his .301 BA. We used those cards to draft players and have our own leagues. Pete Rose was my favorite player, because like him I was not the most talented physically but I sure could hustle.
Then my Dad drowned in a boating accident. All of a sudden I felt like I was the man of the house. I quit playing games and started working. For the next 10-15 years I worked hard and partied hard. There was no such thing as grief counselors back then. It could have really helped.

Wow.......that's really tough man. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how challenging that must have been.

If it helps, I really enjoy your contributions in the FFA and would love to share a Gatorade with you if the stars aligned.

Thank God for a strong Mother that always supported me and still does today.
Now I am retired and living the good life.

 

[-OZ-]

"Can you remember at time in your life when you were totally free of stress?"

No and I’m not sure I want to be. Stress isn’t a bad thing. Our reaction to stress can be a negative.

'Cause when pressure heightens
Our coal makes diamonds

https://pandora.app.link/3FzUbUSk8Sb

A line from one of my favorite songs resonates. We can become stronger through stress.

While we’re stressed now, most of it is good. Kids in college and taking finals, or in HS and taking AP tests, the wife just got back from a St Jude’s fundraiser where our daughter was the guest of honor, training for races, one of which I’m really looking forward to but is somewhat intimidating (IM Florida), the youngest son applying for his first job, etc - these are all “stress” but mostly positive. But we’re comfortable, the major things are taken care of and we’re in a great place.

So we embrace the stress and we’re as stress free as we want to be.

 

[bigbottom]

By the way, this most recent season of White Lotus was entirely unenjoyable with virtually no redeeming qualities.

 

[Terminalxylem]

By the way, this most recent season of White Lotus was entirely unenjoyable with virtually no redeeming qualities.

There's discussion about this in the streaming TV thread...you're not alone, but I think many people really liked it. I thought it was pretty good, though the general theme of the show is getting old.

 

[Terminalxylem]

"Can you remember at time in your life when you were totally free of stress?"

No and I’m not sure I want to be. Stress isn’t a bad thing. Our reaction to stress can be a negative.

'Cause when pressure heightens
Our coal makes diamonds

https://pandora.app.link/3FzUbUSk8Sb

A line from one of my favorite songs resonates. We can become stronger through stress.

While we’re stressed now, most of it is good. Kids in college and taking finals, or in HS and taking AP tests, the wife just got back from a St Jude’s fundraiser where our daughter was the guest of honor, training for races, one of which I’m really looking forward to but is somewhat intimidating (IM Florida), the youngest son applying for his first job, etc - these are all “stress” but mostly positive. But we’re comfortable, the major things are taken care of and we’re in a great place.

So we embrace the stress and we’re as stress free as we want to be.

Agreed. Relaxation is overrated, and stress can be good, depending on how you handle it.

 

[rockaction]

Back in 1997 I was as happy as I was ever going to be. A girlfriend I loved madly, great friendships, and embarking on a career I thought I would love.

Fast forward to 1999 and I was a problem drinker and drugger who had lost the girlfriend, felt alienated from everything, and was subject to panic attacks. What a ride that must have been and I’m not sure how it all happened. But ‘97-‘98 was the apex of my life. Everything else has been found wanting in comparison.

I wasn't giving a Thumbs Up to your back story; more of a head nod for telling us about it.

I find you fascinating. I think you're brilliant and the backstory helps me understand some of your complexities as a person.

Wishing you a very happy and stress free balance of Rock Life.

For sure, GM. Thanks, man. I wrote that earlier this morning and didn’t really clarify that I’m not unhappy, but that those were halcyon days for me. I had a perfect year or two and then reality set in like I think it does for everybody, only it was a little more intense.

It was surprising how rapid the change was and how profoundly it affected me. That’s why it seemed so remarkable and so clearly delineated and defined. Heh. Didn’t mean to be a bummer; it was just so striking looking back at it from a distance. I think I’m actually really lucky I wasn’t expected to fight a war or worry about poverty or political prison. I sort of feel blessed in that way. But thanks for the comment, compliment, and caring—those years were not a great time.

 

[wlwiles]

i’d say about close to 15 years ago, I was at Home Depot on a Saturday morning with my oldest daughter. We were ripping and running, trying to hurry things up, load up the car and get home.

A man probably in his 80s noticed us, stopped me to say “Hey!….it’s supposed to be fun.”

At first, I didn’t know what he meant, but then it dawned on me. We were being productive, but we weren’t enjoying the moment. We were treating the project like work that had to be done and not something fun to experience with my daughter.

I looked at him with great affinity and thanked him. I will always carry that with me.

One of the first examples I thought of was related to Home Depot as well. When my daughter was younger, the first Saturday of every month we had a tradition. I'd wake her up, let my wife sleep in, and the two of us would go have a day. We usually would hit Waffle House for breakfast, and then we'd go to the kid's workshop at Home Depot and build and paint a birdhouse or pinewood derby car or rocket ship or whatever their theme for the month was. Then we'd go through the car wash (fascinating to a 6 yr old) on the way to the grocery store to buy some bread. We would go feed the ducks at the pond, play on the playground there a while, then go for pizza for lunch. We'd go home, change clothes, and then swim for the majority of the afternoon.

Daughter would come inside, get dry clothes on, and within 20 minutes she'd be snoring away. I'd pour a little bourbon and turn on a ballgame, or maybe catch a little afternoon delight with the wife....aside from taking a vacation somewhere, those Saturdays were the best way I could find to have a de-stress day within the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

 

[Gally]

By the way, this most recent season of White Lotus was entirely unenjoyable with virtually no redeeming qualities.

Wait, isn't that every season?

I haven't been a fan of the show because something just isn't there for me. I thought Season 3 was the most entertaining but still missing something.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

By the way, this most recent season of White Lotus was entirely unenjoyable with virtually no redeeming qualities.

Wait, isn't that every season?

I haven't been a fan of the show because something just isn't there for me. I thought Season 3 was the most entertaining but still missing something.

Wife and I started watching season 1 and we keep waiting for it to click but I think we’re approaching the season finale. I could’t really care less.

I am also at a loss for all the love the fat white lush lady gets who’s in every commercial. Maybe it’s because she reminds me of one of my childhood best friends mother but I don’t find her funny..

 

[bigbottom]

By the way, this most recent season of White Lotus was entirely unenjoyable with virtually no redeeming qualities.

Wait, isn't that every season?

I haven't been a fan of the show because something just isn't there for me. I thought Season 3 was the most entertaining but still missing something.

Wife and I started watching season 1 and we keep waiting for it to click but I think we’re approaching the season finale. I could’t really care less.

I am also at a loss for all the love the fat white lush lady gets who’s in every commercial. Maybe it’s because she reminds me of one of my childhood best friends mother but I don’t find her funny..

You were friends with the Stiffmeister?!?!

 

[General Malaise]

By the way, this most recent season of White Lotus was entirely unenjoyable with virtually no redeeming qualities.

I enjoyed it quite a bit, but I'd rank it 3rd of 3. I don't watch very many shows so this one is appointment TV for me.

 

[General Malaise]

i’d say about close to 15 years ago, I was at Home Depot on a Saturday morning with my oldest daughter. We were ripping and running, trying to hurry things up, load up the car and get home.

A man probably in his 80s noticed us, stopped me to say “Hey!….it’s supposed to be fun.”

At first, I didn’t know what he meant, but then it dawned on me. We were being productive, but we weren’t enjoying the moment. We were treating the project like work that had to be done and not something fun to experience with my daughter.

I looked at him with great affinity and thanked him. I will always carry that with me.

One of the first examples I thought of was related to Home Depot as well. When my daughter was younger, the first Saturday of every month we had a tradition. I'd wake her up, let my wife sleep in, and the two of us would go have a day. We usually would hit Waffle House for breakfast, and then we'd go to the kid's workshop at Home Depot and build and paint a birdhouse or pinewood derby car or rocket ship or whatever their theme for the month was. Then we'd go through the car wash (fascinating to a 6 yr old) on the way to the grocery store to buy some bread. We would go feed the ducks at the pond, play on the playground there a while, then go for pizza for lunch. We'd go home, change clothes, and then swim for the majority of the afternoon.

Daughter would come inside, get dry clothes on, and within 20 minutes she'd be snoring away. I'd pour a little bourbon and turn on a ballgame, or maybe catch a little afternoon delight with the wife....aside from taking a vacation somewhere, those Saturdays were the best way I could find to have a de-stress day within the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

I'm going to award you with the POST OF THE YEAR in this thread. This right here is perfection.

 

[General Malaise]

By the way, this most recent season of White Lotus was entirely unenjoyable with virtually no redeeming qualities.

Wait, isn't that every season?

I haven't been a fan of the show because something just isn't there for me. I thought Season 3 was the most entertaining but still missing something.

Wife and I started watching season 1 and we keep waiting for it to click but I think we’re approaching the season finale. I could’t really care less.

I am also at a loss for all the love the fat white lush lady gets who’s in every commercial. Maybe it’s because she reminds me of one of my childhood best friends mother but I don’t find her funny..

I posted her in the Pet Peeves thread long ago. She's awful. Reminds me of my wife's sisters after too many glasses of wine and a xanax. It's not in the least bit entertaining to me.

 

[SWC]

i guess i was 19 or 20 i had a 1963 rambler with a three on the tree with a 287 which was way too much engine for that car and it had a horn bar and it was just a sweet car two tone with chrome all over and it went like a bat out of hell and like any good 19 or 20 year old i sunk all my money into the radio and the 8 track and i would ride around with the windows down and my arm hanging out until my left arm was tan and my right looked like i was a ghost and i would pick up papershakers and they loved cruising up and down main in watertown with me in that car and wed stop at mullens for an ice cream and maybe go watch a submarine race and just work on figuring out what 19 or 20 year olds figure out and i had no debt no responsibilities and my whole life was out in front of me still and man id drive home through all the farm fields outside of my 202 person home town when lighting bugs still filled the sky and the smell of corn was everywhere and it got in your nose and stress simply did not exist take that to the bank bromigos

 

[Phil Elliott]

Kauai is our happy place. A few weeks there once or twice a year. Absolutely no stress. Total 'aloha' vibe.

 

[Manster]

Before puberty

 

[Sand]

As we get older and wiser we learn to deal with it better or we look back with perspective and realize it was something dumb to be stressed about.

Getting worse for me as I get older. If you asked me right now what my predominant emotion is it would be stress. 3am, 7am, 9pm - it's there.

As far as stress free probably back in high school - played a lot of soccer back then and it was pretty fantastic to just go out and play for a couple hours a day every day. Didn't think about a damn thing but kicking a ball.

 

[Mister CIA]

Does survival instinct go away if were stress free? Being stress-free (or the thought of) suddenly feels, stressful. We're all gonna die!

 

[Hoh]

As we get older and wiser we learn to deal with it better or we look back with perspective and realize it was something dumb to be stressed about.

Getting worse for me as I get older. If you asked me right now what my predominant emotion is it would be stress. 3am, 7am, 9pm - it's there.

As far as stress free probably back in high school - played a lot of soccer back then and it was pretty fantastic to just go out and play for a couple hours a day every day. Didn't think about a damn thing but kicking a ball.

It’s such a catch 22. Playing soccer or doing other exercise-y things is sooooo good for stress management but yet when I sneak out to do them I feel guilty (stressed) for ignoring my responsibilities to work or my family.

 

[Gatorade]

As we get older and wiser we learn to deal with it better or we look back with perspective and realize it was something dumb to be stressed about.

Getting worse for me as I get older. If you asked me right now what my predominant emotion is it would be stress. 3am, 7am, 9pm - it's there.

As far as stress free probably back in high school - played a lot of soccer back then and it was pretty fantastic to just go out and play for a couple hours a day every day. Didn't think about a damn thing but kicking a ball.

It’s such a catch 22. Playing soccer or doing other exercise-y things is sooooo good for stress management but yet when I sneak out to do them I feel guilty (stressed) for ignoring my responsibilities to work or my fami feel guilty

Don't feel guilty. Life needs a balance. Too much work or too much play can both be bad .I play pickleball now two or three times a week. Not so much to relieve stress because I am retired. I play just to have fun and interact with other people in a relaxing atmosphere.

 

[Gally]

i guess i was 19 or 20 i had a 1963 rambler with a three on the tree with a 287 which was way too much engine for that car and it had a horn bar and it was just a sweet car two tone with chrome all over and it went like a bat out of hell and like any good 19 or 20 year old i sunk all my money into the radio and the 8 track and i would ride around with the windows down and my arm hanging out until my left arm was tan and my right looked like i was a ghost and i would pick up papershakers and they loved cruising up and down main in watertown with me in that car and wed stop at mullens for an ice cream and maybe go watch a submarine race and just work on figuring out what 19 or 20 year olds figure out and i had no debt no responsibilities and my whole life was out in front of me still and man id drive home through all the farm fields outside of my 202 person home town when lighting bugs still filled the sky and the smell of corn was everywhere and it got in your nose and stress simply did not exist take that to the bank bromigos

Man.....this seems like it would make a really good song. Someone that is good at the type of things needs to put it together. Take that to the music bank bromigo.

 

[Gatorade]

i guess i was 19 or 20 i had a 1963 rambler with a three on the tree with a 287 which was way too much engine for that car and it had a horn bar and it was just a sweet car two tone with chrome all over and it went like a bat out of hell and like any good 19 or 20 year old i sunk all my money into the radio and the 8 track and i would ride around with the windows down and my arm hanging out until my left arm was tan and my right looked like i was a ghost and i would pick up papershakers and they loved cruising up and down main in watertown with me in that car and wed stop at mullens for an ice cream and maybe go watch a submarine race and just work on figuring out what 19 or 20 year olds figure out and i had no debt no responsibilities and my whole life was out in front of me still and man id drive home through all the farm fields outside of my 202 person home town when lighting bugs still filled the sky and the smell of corn was everywhere and it got in your nose and stress simply did not exist take that to the bank bromigos

Man.....this seems like it would make a really good song. Someone that is good at the type of things needs to put it together. Take that to the music bank bromigo.

Only thing missing is a dog.

 

[Zow]

A papershaker is a term for a cheerleader?

 

[General Malaise]

i’d say about close to 15 years ago, I was at Home Depot on a Saturday morning with my oldest daughter. We were ripping and running, trying to hurry things up, load up the car and get home.

A man probably in his 80s noticed us, stopped me to say “Hey!….it’s supposed to be fun.”

At first, I didn’t know what he meant, but then it dawned on me. We were being productive, but we weren’t enjoying the moment. We were treating the project like work that had to be done and not something fun to experience with my daughter.

I looked at him with great affinity and thanked him. I will always carry that with me.

One of the first examples I thought of was related to Home Depot as well. When my daughter was younger, the first Saturday of every month we had a tradition. I'd wake her up, let my wife sleep in, and the two of us would go have a day. We usually would hit Waffle House for breakfast, and then we'd go to the kid's workshop at Home Depot and build and paint a birdhouse or pinewood derby car or rocket ship or whatever their theme for the month was. Then we'd go through the car wash (fascinating to a 6 yr old) on the way to the grocery store to buy some bread. We would go feed the ducks at the pond, play on the playground there a while, then go for pizza for lunch. We'd go home, change clothes, and then swim for the majority of the afternoon.

Daughter would come inside, get dry clothes on, and within 20 minutes she'd be snoring away. I'd pour a little bourbon and turn on a ballgame, or maybe catch a little afternoon delight with the wife....aside from taking a vacation somewhere, those Saturdays were the best way I could find to have a de-stress day within the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

I went back and read this post a 2nd time because it made me feel so good. This is the perfect encapsulation of fatherhood and the small joys it can bring. Plus, the kindness of letting your spouse sleep in. Just beautiful.

 

[Hoh]

As we get older and wiser we learn to deal with it better or we look back with perspective and realize it was something dumb to be stressed about.

Getting worse for me as I get older. If you asked me right now what my predominant emotion is it would be stress. 3am, 7am, 9pm - it's there.

As far as stress free probably back in high school - played a lot of soccer back then and it was pretty fantastic to just go out and play for a couple hours a day every day. Didn't think about a damn thing but kicking a ball.

It’s such a catch 22. Playing soccer or doing other exercise-y things is sooooo good for stress management but yet when I sneak out to do them I feel guilty (stressed) for ignoring my responsibilities to work or my fami feel guilty

Don't feel guilty. Life needs a balance. Too much work or too much play can both be bad .I play pickleball now two or three times a week. Not so much to relieve stress because I am retired. I play just to have fun and interact with other people in a relaxing atmosphere.

Oh I agree. Easier said than done unfortunately

 

[General Malaise]

As we get older and wiser we learn to deal with it better or we look back with perspective and realize it was something dumb to be stressed about.

Getting worse for me as I get older. If you asked me right now what my predominant emotion is it would be stress. 3am, 7am, 9pm - it's there.

As far as stress free probably back in high school - played a lot of soccer back then and it was pretty fantastic to just go out and play for a couple hours a day every day. Didn't think about a damn thing but kicking a ball.

It’s such a catch 22. Playing soccer or doing other exercise-y things is sooooo good for stress management but yet when I sneak out to do them I feel guilty (stressed) for ignoring my responsibilities to work or my fami feel guilty

Don't feel guilty. Life needs a balance. Too much work or too much play can both be bad .I play pickleball now two or three times a week. Not so much to relieve stress because I am retired. I play just to have fun and interact with other people in a relaxing atmosphere.

Disc golf has helped change my life in so many positive ways. And I'm not even any good! But I'm forever grateful to the man who introduced me to it - @urbanhack

 

[dkp993]

Probably 15ish years ago I took my first real long vacation of my working life, 2 weeks in Maui. I distinctly remember being 6 days into the vacation and realizing I still had over a week to go. I literally had a physical reaction of relief and relaxation I had never before, or since, felt. Was pure joy.

 

[Gally]

Probably 15ish years ago I took my first real long vacation of my working life, 2 weeks in Maui. I distinctly remember being 6 days into the vacation and realizing I still had over a week to go. I literally had a physical reaction of relief and relaxation I had never before, or since, felt. Was pure joy.

I don't know if I would come back to work if I took a 2 week vacation.....hahhahaa

 

[dkp993]

Probably 15ish years ago I took my first real long vacation of my working life, 2 weeks in Maui. I distinctly remember being 6 days into the vacation and realizing I still had over a week to go. I literally had a physical reaction of relief and relaxation I had never before, or since, felt. Was pure joy.

I don't know if I would come back to work if I took a 2 week vacation.....hahhahaa

For sure, was super hard too. Still to this day the only one like that I’ve taken. Need to do it again but haven’t been able to make it happen.

 

[Chaz McNulty]

Last August I canoed the Bowron Lake circuit for 7 days. There were 14 of us and my partner was my 21 year old daughter. First time I've been detached from society (completely). The world could have been ending, and we wouldn't have known. It was so refreshing.

Of course, when I got back to our vehicle I had 1200 emails to go through, but it was worth it! I would recommend this to everyone that is chained to a laptop or phone.

 

[Hoh]

As we get older and wiser we learn to deal with it better or we look back with perspective and realize it was something dumb to be stressed about.

Getting worse for me as I get older. If you asked me right now what my predominant emotion is it would be stress. 3am, 7am, 9pm - it's there.

As far as stress free probably back in high school - played a lot of soccer back then and it was pretty fantastic to just go out and play for a couple hours a day every day. Didn't think about a damn thing but kicking a ball.

It’s such a catch 22. Playing soccer or doing other exercise-y things is sooooo good for stress management but yet when I sneak out to do them I feel guilty (stressed) for ignoring my responsibilities to work or my fami feel guilty

Don't feel guilty. Life needs a balance. Too much work or too much play can both be bad .I play pickleball now two or three times a week. Not so much to relieve stress because I am retired. I play just to have fun and interact with other people in a relaxing atmosphere.

Disc golf has helped change my life in so many positive ways. And I'm not even any good! But I'm forever grateful to the man who introduced me to it - @urbanhack

It’s one of my favorite things to do.

 

[Terminalxylem]

By the way, this most recent season of White Lotus was entirely unenjoyable with virtually no redeeming qualities.

Wait, isn't that every season?

I haven't been a fan of the show because something just isn't there for me. I thought Season 3 was the most entertaining but still missing something.

Wife and I started watching season 1 and we keep waiting for it to click but I think we’re approaching the season finale. I could’t really care less.

I am also at a loss for all the love the fat white lush lady gets who’s in every commercial. Maybe it’s because she reminds me of one of my childhood best friends mother but I don’t find her funny..

I posted her in the Pet Peeves thread long ago. She's awful. Reminds me of my wife's sisters after too many glasses of wine and a xanax. It's not in the least bit entertaining to me.

One reason I like season 3 better than 2.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Take 200mg of L-theanine. Every day will be way less stress.

 

[wlwiles]

i’d say about close to 15 years ago, I was at Home Depot on a Saturday morning with my oldest daughter. We were ripping and running, trying to hurry things up, load up the car and get home.

A man probably in his 80s noticed us, stopped me to say “Hey!….it’s supposed to be fun.”

At first, I didn’t know what he meant, but then it dawned on me. We were being productive, but we weren’t enjoying the moment. We were treating the project like work that had to be done and not something fun to experience with my daughter.

I looked at him with great affinity and thanked him. I will always carry that with me.

One of the first examples I thought of was related to Home Depot as well. When my daughter was younger, the first Saturday of every month we had a tradition. I'd wake her up, let my wife sleep in, and the two of us would go have a day. We usually would hit Waffle House for breakfast, and then we'd go to the kid's workshop at Home Depot and build and paint a birdhouse or pinewood derby car or rocket ship or whatever their theme for the month was. Then we'd go through the car wash (fascinating to a 6 yr old) on the way to the grocery store to buy some bread. We would go feed the ducks at the pond, play on the playground there a while, then go for pizza for lunch. We'd go home, change clothes, and then swim for the majority of the afternoon.

Daughter would come inside, get dry clothes on, and within 20 minutes she'd be snoring away. I'd pour a little bourbon and turn on a ballgame, or maybe catch a little afternoon delight with the wife....aside from taking a vacation somewhere, those Saturdays were the best way I could find to have a de-stress day within the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

I went back and read this post a 2nd time because it made me feel so good. This is the perfect encapsulation of fatherhood and the small joys it can bring. Plus, the kindness of letting your spouse sleep in. Just beautiful.

Thanks GB for the kind words. I miss those days terribly.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Summer between 10th and 11th grade. Driver’s license. No girlfriend. Just working construction a few days a week, going to the pool or playing basketball the other days, and hanging out in basements at night.

 

[Manster]

Last August I canoed the Bowron Lake circuit for 7 days. There were 14 of us and my partner was my 21 year old daughter. First time I've been detached from society (completely). The world could have been ending, and we wouldn't have known. It was so refreshing.

Of course, when I got back to our vehicle I had 1200 emails to go through, but it was worth it! I would recommend this to everyone that is chained to a laptop or phone.

I love this!

A couple places we set up camp for fly fishing trips, there is no cell.....I prefer it that way. It's good to unplug from society.

My favorite author, John Gierach said.... paraphrasing here, "when someone asks me how can I get ahold of you on the river?"..... "You can't. That's sort of the point."

 

[SWC]

do you guys like the song the show goes on by bruce hornsby i dont know if it is relaxing or just heartbreaking but there is a piano intro in that song that is from like 33 seconds to 50 seconds that is one of the best things it just cuts right to the core of me take that to the bank brohans

 

[General Malaise]

Last August I canoed the Bowron Lake circuit for 7 days. There were 14 of us and my partner was my 21 year old daughter. First time I've been detached from society (completely). The world could have been ending, and we wouldn't have known. It was so refreshing.

Of course, when I got back to our vehicle I had 1200 emails to go through, but it was worth it! I would recommend this to everyone that is chained to a laptop or phone.

I love this!

A couple places we set up camp for fly fishing trips, there is no cell.....I prefer it that way. It's good to unplug from society.

My favorite author, John Gierach said.... paraphrasing here, "when someone asks me how can I get ahold of you on the river?"..... "You can't. That's sort of the point."

I'd like to pick your brain on some camping ideas for Eastern Oregon. It's one area we haven't really explored much and I know there's a ton out there - I used to cover La Grande when I was working for CASE and loved the drive up and over to get there, but was young and dumb and never explored the area much.