"私たちの世界には、人々が本来の自分でいることを妨げるストレスの流行があります。"

Stress is everywhere these days. It's like an invisible weight pressing down on our shoulders, making us someone we’re not. It’s the constant pressure, the endless to-do lists, and the overwhelming speed of life that keep us from being our true selves. Instead of living authentically, we’re often just trying to survive the day.

Think about it for a second. When was the last time you did something purely because you wanted to, not because you had to? If you’re like most people, it’s probably been a while. We’re all so busy meeting deadlines, taking care of responsibilities, and responding to the latest crisis that we rarely stop to consider what we actually want.

Historically, stress has always been around. But it seems like it's on a whole other level now. It’s not just about survival anymore, like it was for our ancestors. Now it’s about juggling careers, social media, family expectations, financial pressures, and so much more. This is why stress is being called an epidemic—it's so widespread and pervasive that it’s affecting our fundamental ability to be ourselves.

Let me give you a real-life example. Picture a young woman named Sarah. She’s a lawyer at a big firm, working crazy hours. She’s also trying to maintain a social life, care for her aging parents, and keep up with her own health. Sarah’s days are a blur of meetings, phone calls, and endless emails. By the time she gets home, she’s exhausted and has no energy left for the things she loves—like painting and hiking. Over time, she starts to lose touch with these passions, and before long, she forgets what it feels like to be truly happy and at peace.

Here's the thing: Sarah’s not alone. Many of us are just like her, caught in the whirlwind of modern life. So, what can we do about it? How do we reclaim our true selves in the midst of all this stress?

First off, we need to prioritize self-care. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. Take time each day to do something that brings you joy, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Maybe it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea. These small moments can help you reconnect with who you are.

Also, it’s okay to set boundaries. You don’t have to say yes to everything. Learn to recognize when you’re overcommitted and give yourself permission to say no. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about preserving your well-being.

Imagine you’re hosting a dinner party. You’ve invited a handful of friends, and everything’s going smoothly—until you realize you’ve forgotten to cook the main dish. Panic sets in. You rush around the kitchen, trying to make up for lost time, but in the process, you burn the appetizers and spill wine all over the tablecloth. Your friends see you stressed and frazzled, and the evening loses its sparkle. Now, think about how different it would be if you’d taken a moment to breathe, maybe even asked a friend to help out. The main dish might still be late, but you’d be relaxed, your friends would be happy, and the party would be a success.

The same goes for life. When we’re overwhelmed by stress, we’re not our best selves. But by taking time for self-care and setting boundaries, we can reduce that stress and start living more authentically. It’s not about perfection—it’s about being present and true to who we are.

So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember Sarah’s story. Remember the dinner party. And give yourself permission to take a step back, breathe, and just be you. Life’s too short to be anyone else.