My Oura ring called me out (and so did God)
How a dropped readiness score and a Sunday sermon reminded me that stress is just fear wearing a disguise
Stress has been overwhelming me lately, and last week I hit my breaking point. It's wild that I needed my Oura ring to alert me that something was seriously wrong - when that readiness score dropped, it was like a wake-up call I couldn't ignore. I spent the entire week focusing on rest and recovery.
Then Sunday came, and I found myself at church listening to a sermon about fear. The pastor's words hit differently: "Stress is just fear in disguise. It freezes us and leaves us paralyzed, white-knuckling our way through each day." I sat there thinking, Jesus, you could have just texted me!
The truth stung because I recognized myself completely. Monday anxiety, pre-meeting jitters, worrying about everything beyond my control - that's been my default mode. Being a content creator means I'm constantly online, and despite years of trying to avoid news consumption, those headlines still find me. Each one sends my cortisol through the roof.
But the timing of this message felt intentional. I'm holding onto these verses as I move forward:
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Psalms 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
💡 The words “fear not” are in the bible 365 times. That’s one time for every day of the year. Coincidence? I think not.
📝 Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T
R (Recently) - Golf has completely taken over my life again! I told my husband that after watching videos of my swing, I am ready to head back out to fix a few things. 😂
E (Eating) - Discovered an incredible açaí spot this weekend and I'm officially addicted. So much so that I went back-to-back days because one bowl simply wasn't enough
P (Purchasing) - I need a new car! My lease is up on my car so I am car shopping right now. I also want a new couch for my office.
O (Obsessing) - Matcha has become my latest fixation! A friend took me to this adorable bakery where I had the most incredible strawberry matcha creation. I'm already planning my return visit. 2nd runner up, DND #799 nail color. It’s giving summer vibes.
R (Recommending) - Love Island, and yes, I know how that sounds. But sometimes we need mindless entertainment to give our brains a break from all the heavy stuff demanding our attention. Consider it mental junk food - I binged the entire season and have zero regrets.
T (Treating) - Spoiling myself with the coziest loungewear from Aerie, specifically everything in that Laundry Blue shade. Sometimes self-care comes in the form of soft fabrics.
Weekly Report Going part-time at my corporate job
I gave myself permission to take a step back and became unapologetic in my need to prioritize my own self-care. Therapy taught me that my tendency to do it all and appear “superhuman” is a defense mechanism. It got me in the door, it kept me there, but it’s no longer sustainable. I talk about this in my latest short video over on IG & TT.
What would you do if you could slow down a bit?
Have a great week, y’all!
I will see you next Monday at 8 AM EST, sharp!
