Things that happen to us do not cause stress. . . our reaction to what happens causes stress! Missing a bus or plane, preparing for a wedding, juggling multiple deadlines at work and at home a child leaving for college, experiencing divorce, the death of a spouse, child or a loved one are just a sampling of situations that most of us would describe as "stressful." But, Do They Really Cause Stress? In God Knows You're Stressed, Anne Bryan Smollin explains that the inevitabilities of life do not have to cause stress if we treat ourselves with more kindness, laugh more, play more, breathe more deeply, rest more soundly, hold hurts more loosely. With inspiring stories, wisdom and helpful activities that keep life's little trials and larger tribulations in proper perspective, she shows how to do just that. Each of the 12 chapters offers proven ways to help avoid those pitfalls from saying no to people and activities that demand more than you have to give, to maintaining a feeling of control over potentially stressful situations. Most of all, though, God Knows You're Stressed shows how to relax in mind and body and feel healthier and more peaceful in the process.
Anne Bryan Smollin, C.S.J., (1943-2014) was an international lecturer on wellness and spirituality. Her dynamic public speaking style and natural gift for entertaining sent her far from her Albany, New York, home base to lecture on humor and its effect on wellness, aging, spirituality and stress. A Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for 53 years, Smollin earned a bachelor's degree in education from The College of Saint Rose, a master's degree in counseling from the State University of New York at Albany, and a doctorate in counseling psychology from Walden University. She became the first elementary school guidance counselor in Albany, New York, working on early intervention with the school's students, parents, and teachers. In 1975, Smollin set out on the road to bring her message to even more people. As an educational coordinator for an Albany Consultation Center, Smollin presented parental effectiveness training workshops along the East Coast. She also worked as an adjunct professor for six colleges and institutes, teaching courses on humor as a tool to communicate and as a method in stress management. Smollin served as the executive director of the Counseling for Laity center in Albany, which offers guidance for married couples, families, adults, and adolescents, for 33 years until her death.
