Time, like life itself, has no inherent meaning.

Time, like life itself, has no inherent meaning. We give our own meaning to time as to life - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Is five minutes a short time or a long time? It's a short time if you're reading an engrossing novel, but it's forever if you are in excruciating physical pain or emotional distress. Your boss says he needs that report in twenty minutes. Does your blood pressure rise? Your heart race? How does a sense of urgency impact your life? What if you could redefine your relationship with time? What if you could meet life on your own terms?

Our instincts combine with our cultural habits to translate the demands that are made of us into stress. The instincts are a little harder, but the cultural habituation can be reversed with consciousness and focused questioning.

Whenever you feel stressed, start asking questions. Begin with, who is making the demand? Have you granted them the authority to make demands of you? What would be the consequences of declining the request or negotiating an extended deadline? Whatever you decide, always put yourself first. When you make the decision to accommodate others' demands, remember that you chose that path, and look for ways to enjoy the activity. When you decide to find an alternative, never feel guilty about your decision. It's your time and your life.