The ease of living stress free in the country was always appealing. The problem of getting there wasn't that big of a challenge because I was ready to take the plunge. You see, the city was where I had to work for most of my adult life but that wasn't where I wanted to be anymore.

There were a few challenges to make this dream a reality but they were overcome with perseverance and a good plan. The secret to making a dream a reality is to not only think about what you want, or what you hope to have, but to put those dreams into a plan. And, the plan just can't be an idea that swims loosely around in your mind. A real goal setting plan means that you set out in writing everything thing that you need to do, along with dates and times.

Almost every stressful situation can be reduced or eliminated through putting a well thought out plan into action. Take a problem at work for example. If you define the problem clearly, it is then a matter of devising a plan to address the concern. The sooner the concern or issue is addressed headlong, the sooner you will be able to reduce that which is causing you the stress. Sometimes, just the fact that you start to take action knowing that you are doing something about what is bothering you will serve to help start reduce the stress.

Not all situations, though, can be relieved by planning. In some cases, stress can be relieved or reduced through active exercise, through listening to soothing music, or engaging in an activity that brings you pleasure. But, most stress has a cause and unless you openly and honestly address the root cause, nothing you do will give you lasting relief.

The bottom line is that the only person that can reduce stress in your life is you. No one else is responsible for doing what you need to do. It may not be easy, it may cause you to exercise options that in the moment will be difficult or painful but you have to act boldly and decisively.