Stress and Significance

All of us are searching for identity, position, purpose and significance. Often in the process we encounter stress.

I was recently in Jersey City on the Hudson to attend and to present at the International Conference of the William Glasser Institute. The vendors were nearly finished setting up when I arrived at the book room to display my materials. Only I did not have the books with me as I had previously shipped them to the hotel and they were still in storage. The vendor room attendant was ready to lock up and agreed to wait if I would quickly go to the Concierge and retrieve the books.

The conference was held at the Hyatt Regency and the personnel’s helpfulness and attitudes were exemplary. The young lady graciously took my request and assured me the books would soon arrive. I waited. I went back to the vendor room to give a progress report to the attendant. I waited some more. I checked with the Concierge again. She made a phone call. I waited some more.

I did not set my stopwatch but I am certain that the actual wait time was not as long as it seemed. Choosing to not stress, I breathed deeply and turned to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Hyatt Regency is located on the Hudson River directly across from New York City’s financial district and the vacant twin-towers lot. I had visited the site earlier. It is a sobering experience.

As I stood there I reflected on the Chinese Proverb, “Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” I realized my stress was not over a slight delay in retrieving books but in my over exaggerated sense of self-importance.

In the book , The Camel Knows the Way, Lorna Kelly recounts being overwhelmed with Calcutta’s mass filth and poverty-stricken humanity. Lorna commented to Mother Theresa that all of her work was like a drop of water in a bucket. Mother Theresa countered. “No, my child. All our work is like a drop of water in the ocean.”

When I feel stressed over lack of quick acknowledgement, I realize my priorities are out of order. The more I am in touch with the vastness of the universe and the widespread wounds of the world, the more I realize the significance of each human being and the importance of every act of kindness. And the more content I am with who I am.

DON’T COPE, OVERCOME: Humility is a do-it-yourself job. Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. We overcome the stress of self-importance by adopting humility, and in the process we find significance.

TESTIMONIALS: “I have just completed reading Creating Value, what a blessing. The "kiss" approach you have applied in your writing reinforces many applicable goals in my life. I do hope any time you are in the Tri-State New York area, I will be first in line to be blessed. Please sign me up for your monthly 'e-zine’ and also to be alerted of your upcoming 'Workbook’. Thanks again for Creating Value.” Samuel Greene, New York City

Testimonials

What others are saying about Mona's training.

“I just wanted you to know how much I’ve enjoyed your classes. You make learning easy and fun at the same time.” - Sue Stephenson“I think the information given was very informative and helpful, and Mona has a real knack for making a connection with her audience.” Sonny Payen

"Mona Dunkin has the unique ability as well as drive to reach out and help others with her gift of coaching and mentoring. Mona taught me the importance of separating my actions from my words. Many times if I do something that is not wise, I will attack my self-esteem instead of calling the action unwise. She also taught me how to resolve a specific conflict with a friend. Creating Value does not just appeal to a specific person, but applies to everybody." Darnel Kimble

"Mona has truly been an inspirational figure to me. I have a problem trying to please too many people and Mona gave me permission to say “No” when it is in my own best interest. I now use this advice every single day and it has had a huge positive impact on my life. Mona is a very dedicated and wise person. She is driven to succeed for all the right reasons. The thing that impresses me most about her is that she does not judge people. " Matt Levin

"Mona is multi-talented. I have listened to other speakers and looked at my watch, hoping they would soon be finished. But Mona is so interesting, as well as encouraging class participation, that I am never wishing it would end. She is informative, witty, smart, and very sincere." Nina Olson, frequent seminar participant

"Mona has held two classes at our office. She always arrives promptly and prepared. She is very easy to listen to and creates a relaxing atmosphere. Mona urges class participation and questions." Donna Rice, Office Manager, Consumer Finance Company

"It was very interesting and you gave us plenty to think about.""Good information that can be used not only in the business world, but in child rearing and relationship with family and others."

"The seminar flowed"

"You teach from a perspective that I can relate to and respect."

"Mona Dunkin teaches everything as though she was there, which she has been. She can teach so well because she has experienced the ups and down sof life and has learned much that she can only try to show others."

"It gives some understanding of what one can do to be better at what they are doing. Examples you can understand and how and in what ways you can be a better person and better employee."

“I have just completed reading Creating Value, what a blessing. The "kiss" approach you have applied in your writing reinforces many applicable goals in my life. I do hope at any time you are in the Tri-State New York area, I will be first in line to be blessed. Thanks again for Creating Value.” Samuel Greene, New York City

“Mona always has a unique way of delivering information. I always get so much for these classes. Well presented! Thanks.” David Townsend

“I think a lot of people that don’t realize they need help in areas of their life until the information is presented and then your eyes are opened. I was one of them” Sheryl Curtis

“It’s a great experience. A lot of important information is found in Mona’s presentations. It will better your work performance, your people’s skills, how to organize and how to maintain a great work place. In the end, get good results from your workers. It really teaches you a great deal.” Coyletha Williams

“The seminar let me know about myself and how to treat others.” Hector J. Leels

“This will help you to be more responsible and have more motivation in the future.” Sarina Samuels

“As we near the 7th year of our business connection, I just wanted to tell you how valued you are by our staff and students alike. Your congeniality makes everyone feel so welcome and at ease in your workshops and your enthusiasm for life proves infectious!”
Katie Garrett, M.S. Project Director, SSS
McLennan Community College Waco, TX