“Worrying is like paying on a debt that may never come due.” Will Rogers
There is a difference between worry and preparing despite the two commonly being mixed up. Worry steals precious time and energy by encouraging us to focus on problems that may never manifest. Preparing by brainstorming about what may happen and then making plans to respond appropriately is part of being a responsible.
Sometimes worry comes about because we really want to do our best. The outcome is so important; yet, we do not have as much control of the results as is wanted. This causes us to repeatedly think about a situation with the hopes of that energy being used to bring cultivate a good outcome.
It is important to know that worry does not contribute to anything but our misery. When we obsess over the future or past we are trying to affect something that is outside of what can be taken care of in that moment.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
1. What are some things you worry about?
2. Determine what is your part in the situation.
3. Write an encouraging reminder to let go of things that you have no affect over.
GUIDANCE
Worry can be beneficial when we use it as a sign of values being present. Worry alerts says we should act in a more balanced way. When we feed negative outcomes by giving them energy through repeated thoughts we can reaffirm patterns of thinking and behavior that are unhelpful. By acknowledging worry for what it is we can use it to our advantage. What worry says is “I care.” If you have a difficult time brainstorming alternative solutions, ask yourself if that is really within your influence.