Stress, My Old Frenemy (and Secret Motivator)

So, here’s the deal: I’m taking five college classes this semester—one of which (and I swear the universe has jokes) is Stress Management. That’s right, I’m literally being graded on how well I handle stress, which feels a bit like being told to relax at gunpoint.

Meanwhile, I’ve got an online business that’s running full steam, an office in West Plains, Missouri, and I’m also working in Branson, Mo. at BodyWorks Day Spa Salon—teaching, massaging, and basically trying to keep bodies from falling apart one knot at a time. Oh, and because life wasn’t quite spicy enough, I’m also building a house. (Because who doesn’t want a side project that eats money, energy, and sanity?)

Let’s recap:

• Five college classes (my brain is begging for summer break already).

• Online business (Shopify, bless and curse you).

• Office in West Plains.

• Commute to Branson for work.

• Teaching massage while also doing massage.

• Building a house (translation: arguing with lumber, contractors, and the weather).

• Bonus round: ADHD brain (like having 27 tabs open at all times, but none of them are playing the music).

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. I have ADHD, which many people see as a challenge—but honestly, it’s my superpower. ADHD gives me creativity, hyperfocus when I need it, and the ability to pivot faster than a squirrel that just spotted a shiny acorn. Sure, sometimes I forget why I walked into a room, but on the flip side, I can build a house, study for finals, run a business, and brainstorm three new product ideas… all before breakfast.

And this is where Kelly McGonigal’s famous TED Talk comes in. She talks about how stress isn’t necessarily bad for you—what really matters is how you think about it. If you believe stress is harmful, it hurts you. But if you see stress as your body gearing up to meet challenges, it becomes fuel.

That idea hit me hard—because I live it every day. My stress isn’t some evil villain lurking in the shadows; it’s the sidekick pushing me forward. When I’ve got deadlines, clients, classes, and a house that insists on needing drywall right now—stress actually sharpens me. It motivates me to move, adapt, and keep juggling. It’s proof that my life is full, and that I care deeply about what I’m building.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I still have days where I want to curl up with snacks and binge-watch something that doesn’t involve the words “research paper.” But the truth is, stress isn’t always the enemy. It’s kind of like caffeine: too much and you’re shaking, crying, and making questionable life choices. Just enough, though, and you’re energized, motivated, and maybe even unstoppable. Add in ADHD as a gift, and stress becomes the jet fuel that keeps this wild ride moving.

So, if you see me around West Plains or Branson with wild hair, mismatched socks, and drywall dust on my shoes—just know that I’m living proof of what McGonigal said: stress can be your friend if you let it. And when all else fails… well, that’s what massage tables are for.