We all just want to hit the easy button.

We’re always working towards some goal with the hopes that when we get there, Then we’ll be able to relax. Then we’ll be able to take it easy.

As I stepped into the lobby of my hotel, the bellman took my luggage and the lovely ladies at the front desk gave me a complimentary suite upgrade.

I realized this is what the easy button feels like. There’s no magic button we have to push or goal we must accomplish, it’s a choice we must make.

After being on the road for almost 6 weeks in various locations from Minnesota to Oregon, I felt my whole body relax as we stepped into our room. This is how I’d been wanting to feel, completely supported.

And then it hit me, I finally understood the purpose of luxury. It’s not to prove to ourselves or anyone else that we’re good enough or special. It’s not to flaunt and show off.

We desire luxury because luxury supports us. And when we’re supported, we get to move out of survival mode and our true self begins to more fully unfold. The self that laughs more, has more to give to others, and therefore can receive more. And so a beautiful cycle begins.

And then, on my first night staying in Portland, my car was broken into.

I was stunned. I felt vulnerable being in a city I didn’t know and feeling attacked. Who would do this? Why me, why here, why today?

But none of that really mattered. It had happened. The only choice I had in the matter was how would I react.

And I reacted the same way I always do when something stressful shows up in my life.

Here’s my 3 Steps to Move Past Stress

(Stay tuned! Next week I’ll be sending out a NEW interview on how I cleaned up stress in my own life and how you can too.)

1. Step back and look at the situation with a fresh perspective. What is actually true about the situation and what can you do to move forward?

I allowed myself to feel the emotions of what had happened, but then I stepped back, removed the emotion and looked at the situation with a new perspective.

The window was broken. What needed to happen first? When we get caught up in our emotions our logic can get clouded. Try to step into the situation as if you had no emotional attachment, where would you start?

2. Take the first step first. Don’t try to take all the steps at once.

When a stressful situation occurs we often try to do everything at once instead of just looking at the next step. This leads to even more stress, less focus and less results.

If I had tried to call the police, tape up my window, call the insurance, and clean up the glass all at once, I would have gotten nothing done and probably cut myself. What needs to be done first? Start there. Everything is happening in perfect timing.

3. Keep your reserves filled so that you have extra support when you need it.

This is the one I see far too many women skip. We push ourselves to our limits, saying yes to everything and everyone except ourselves. And when something stressful happens, no matter how big or small. We crack. We lose it. It’s literally like the straw that breaks the camels back.

This is where self-care and luxury comes in. We must build up our own reserves so that we’re prepared for whatever comes our way.

So yes, having my car broken into sucked. But in all honesty, it was mainly just a big inconvenience. No one was hurt. Nothing was taken that can’t be replaced. And because I followed my three steps to overcoming a stressful situation, I was able to put it behind me with grace.

And staying in a beautiful hotel with amenities that refilled my reserves and staff who were eager to support me in the situation (helping me temporarily tape up the window, contacting a glass company, waiving the parking fees) I was able to feel completely supported rather than knocked down.

Now it’s your turn. How do you typically react to stress and where can you start using these steps in your own life?

Do you have your own great way of dealing with unexpected stress? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!

Stay tuned! Next week I’ll be sending out a NEW interview all about overcoming stress and creating the lifestyle you desire.

To releasing the struggle and living free!

xo Jessica

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