[Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/search/stress/)
At first, stress lurks like a chair moved near without authorization.It listens to every thought, taps its fingers on the mind, and recalls deadlines, expectations, and things left unsaid.It wears responsibility as a disguise, pretending to help while gradually closing its grip.
Some days it is heavy, a weight behind the eyes, a noise that never completely vanishes.Other times it enhances concentration, propelling me to move, to act, to survive.I am understanding the distinction.
Stress is not always the enemy.It turns risky when I ignore rest, forget to breathe, confuse urgency for importance.I release its grip today, select balance, and before I start work, I remind myself that I am human.