In this perfect world, there is no need for stress reduction tips I shared with my subscribers from book "Why Make Yourself Crazy?"

I must state for record that I do not need a reason to make myself crazy. This is a free country and I can make myself crazy if I want to.

I am deeply contrite for having suggested to my subscribers that they might need a reason to make themselves crazy. Many of them live in free countries, too. They do not need a reason to make themselves crazy, either, so they do not need stress reduction tips

For example, there is no need for my readers to get more out of life by doing less.

To start with, this is a ridiculous concept. We all know that more you put into anything, more you get out of it. For instance, if Bridget Jones had not put that blue string in pot, all she would have had was soup.

I say, cram your agenda. Cram. Cram. Cram. Put as much as you can into life, so you can gets lots out of it. Never mind wasting your time eating, sleeping or showering...OK, maybe showering, but get as much done as you can today. You would not want to die with windows unwashed now, would you?

And isn't it ridiculous to try to do one thing at a time and do it well? That is such a waste of time. As a parent, I already do one thing at a time.

In fact, I usually do many one things at a time...like carrying a box from basement to second floor...oops, better stop to clean up spill on rug before it sets, and...uh, oh, gotta get Little Lady off of Little Sister before my box-carrying gets interrupted by a hospital visit...come back here Little Sister...oops, that might be important call I was waiting for...now where did I leave phone...Little Lady don't go upstairs by yourself...

The problem is that you just cannot schedule crises and emergencies consecutively. They operate on a herd mentality. And herds have nothing to worry about, so they don't have stress. Welcome to my stress-free world.

At this point in time I realize that I need to establish my priorities and stick to them, or day is really going to spin out of control.

I sit down to sort myself out, and after a bit of time spent thinking, my wife comes back home and cheerfully asks me what I have accomplished so far today.

Upon hearing her question I suddenly feel beginning of a panic attack coming on. I missed getting garbage out in time, I still haven't written check for overdue bill, I haven't yet addressed envelope with pictures for my uncle, and of course I have yet to begin cleaning shed.

Soon day will be half over, and not only am I not making headway, but I am losing ground!

Recognizing emotional pain, I am in my daughter pulls me over to sit on couch and climbs up on my lap. "Daddy," she says, "Why don't you do what you told me to do other day when I was upset? " "Take three deep breaths..." "Look around you and notice that indeed world is NOT falling apart..." "And give thanks for all that you have, and all of people who love you!"

Better advice has never been given.

When you find your life spinning out of control, take time to breathe and feel into emotional experience you are creating. Regardless of task at hand, if you maintain a clear concept of who you are and what you are wanting to accomplish, you can stay on track and feel OK with all that transpires.