Recently a granddaughter asked me what things had stressed me out the most. This was a good question and one worthy of much thought.

        Going into the unknown was a good starting point.

        When I first left home at the age of sixteen to work on farms as a farming cadet I found it stressful as I was a town lad.

        When I volunteered and was accepted, to train for the Navy Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War. Could I really fly a plane? Could I land a plane on a pitching Air Craft Carrier? I doubted it. What had I volunteered for?

        Going to university without any qualifications and running out of money was very hard but ultimately I made it.

        Driving across the USA, coast to coast twice on the other side of the road than I was used to was not easy.  

        Getting married in Timaru was stressful as Joyce came from a big family in South Canterbury. Her father had six sisters.

        Our youngest son was given a full blood transfusion while still in his mother’s womb.  Can you imagine how stressful that was for us? But he lived, and looks after me today.

        I was married for sixty-six years. My wife had done all my editing and kept my books. I owed her a great debt. She went blind, had a fall, and broke her hip so she went into a care home.

        I visited her every day, read to her, and consulted her on domestic matters. Then Covid came along and visitors were banned from calling or travelling at that time.  

        Our youngest daughter was in a hospice in Tasmania dying from cancer. We could not travel even to attend her funeral. That was stressful.  

        Shortly after I had a call to say Joyce was in great trouble and I could visit. I sat with her all day. She was under great stress having difficulty breathing and at 11pm she passed away.         Because of Covid, only six people were permitted to attend her funeral service. That was stressful.

To sum up: What causes stress?

        Moving into the unknown – like into a new job.

        Death of a family member – especially your loving partner, or one of your children.

        Running out of money, especially for food, accommodation, and power.

        To be made redundant and to lose your job especially if you are trying to pay off a mortgage or have children to raise.          

        Stress is a nearly inevitable part of life today. However, keeping your stress levels in check doesn’t have to be a boring affair. You can always have a holiday, go for long walks or listen to music.

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Relax and enjoy life. No one else knows what they are doing either.”