Stress is a universal experience. From tight deadlines to balancing personal and professional responsibilities, it’s something we all face. But what if stress didn’t have to feel like an enemy? What if, instead, it could be a catalyst for growth? This is exactly what one high school student discovered while working on a seemingly overwhelming art project.
The assignment: create a realistic portrait of a flower using oil pastels on a poster-sized paper. The timeline: just two and a half weeks. Despite initial confidence, the student soon found themselves struggling. Two weeks in, only two petals were complete, and frustration mounted. The challenge of working with oil pastels for the first time compounded the fear of failure.
Faced with a looming deadline, the teacher allowed the student to take the project home over a long weekend. But the added time came with added pressure. The student also had to complete three Advanced Placement assignments and attend a debate tournament. By Sunday, exhaustion had set in.
The Turning Point
While attending a community event that weekend, the student heard a quote that changed their outlook: “Once you know that it is not possible to alter or avoid a stressful situation, at best, what you can do is to change your attitude towards that situation.”
This message, delivered at a BAPS youth assembly, resonated deeply. Inspired, the student decided to approach
the art project differently—not as a burden, but as an opportunity to learn and enjoy the process.
With this fresh perspective, they gathered their materials and called a friend who was also working on the project. Together, they exchanged tips and motivated each other over FaceTime. What had once felt insurmountable became a collaborative and enjoyable effort. By 2 a.m., the project was complete, and the student felt a sense of pride and
accomplishment that had been missing.
Lessons from BAPS Teachings
The experience mirrors a story shared at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. During the construction of the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in New Delhi, workers faced overwhelming challenges. Tons of unassembled stones littered the site, and deadlines loomed. When asked about the chaos, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj responded calmly, “There may be tons of stones outside, but I do not feel a pebble’s amount of weight on my chest.” He explained that focusing on effort while leaving the outcome to God brings peace and clarity—a principle the student found profoundly impactful.
The Science of Stress
The student’s journey also aligns with research on stress. Experts distinguish between “eustress”—positive stress that motivates and challenges us—and “distress,” which leads to anxiety and fear. By reframing their perspective, the student transformed distress into eustress, unlocking creativity and productivity.
The importance of social connections also played a role. Studies show that oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is released during supportive social interactions, helping mitigate stress. Encouragement from family and collaboration with a friend made a significant difference for the student.
A Universal Message
This story offers a universal takeaway: stress doesn’t have to hold us back. Whether in academics, work, or personal life, embracing challenges with a positive mindset can lead to growth and fulfillment. As Lou Holtz once said, “It’s not the load that breaks you down; it’s the way you carry it.”
Through lessons from BAPS teachings and their own experience, the student discovered that shifting perspectives can turn stress into a steppingstone. By focusing on effort, seeking support, and embracing the process, we can transform life’s pressures into opportunities for achievement and joy.
Stress, after all, doesn’t have to be a barrier. It can be a bridge—all it takes is the courage to change the way we see it.
Written by BAPS volunteer
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