The more time I spend chatting with the girls, the more I realize: we women are natural worriers. Sorry guys, it just seems that way. We worry about little things (I wake up at 3:00 am every night with my mind whirling, wondering, have I locked the doors? Is the coffee pot ready? Honest!) and the big things (family, health, finances… and more.) However unpleasant it seems, worry’s not all bad. At best, it stimulates us take positive actions and get done what needs to be done. We each think the world revolves around us individually. And that’s normal (I know, right?) So, when something sidetracks us, we panic. I get so stressed out sometimes, that I go for long periods without eating (or completely overindulging) and nights without sleeping (yay- more insomnia!) So what am I worried about? Everything and nothing. Everyone is worried about something, and the great news is you can control your worries.
Tips for Stopping the Worries in Their Tracks:
You can’t control everything.
Shiz happens. Pardon my language. You do not control the universe. Surprise! As human beings, we feel safer knowing we can affect something, like choosing the right or left fork in the road, but we can’t really control what happens to us. Obstacles get thrown in our path, and the only thing we can control is our attitude. Life is what you make it. Train your brain to stop stressing about everything, you’ll feel better. Be like a boy scout, always prepared to adjust your situation.
Life really isn’t that terrible.
So you really think life is that bad? Visit a homeless shelter, volunteer, or just read the world news. Our problems (yours and mine my friends,) aren’t really problems. Not to put down anyone’s situation, but in reality, it’s probably miniscule compared to the rest of the universe. Analyze your situation. Ask yourself how to make it more manageable. If you can alleviate some of the stress, do it. Then (and this is major!) move on to the next thing.
My grandmother used to always say: “This too shall pass.” In fact, I think it was hanging as a needlepoint over the kitchen sink next to the serenity prayer. If there’s one thing we learn, it’s that everything repeats itself, just on a different level. That means nothing (good or bad) lasts forever. So learn to live and enjoy the moment. We need the balance to live a generally happy life anyway. So next time you start to stress about something, remember that the whole event will pass, good or bad, and in the future you’ll barely remember why you were so freaked out. Keep your vanity in check.
Change is good.
I have said this before, and it’s true, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. When you come up against obstacles you become better prepared for the ones to come. You need change to build your character, and test your limits. Life is about persevering and overcoming the difficulties we stumble upon. Peace, success and happiness can be yours if you stress less and remember this. If you get stuck, change your place. Luck travels, so should we.
Ok my meditative readers, lets sum up. Worry constructively. Do not allow yourself to worry about things that are completely out of your control. It is fruitless. Determine what you truly want. Use positive rather than negative visualization. There is good stuff waiting at the end of each path in the road. Find an outlet, and I do not mean the shopping mall. However, if that works for you…Try something creative; write in a journal, paint, take a glassblowing class – anything that allows you to vent your frustrations in a concrete manner. And last (you knew I wouldn’t miss the opportunity) be mindful and grateful. Practicing gratitude can counteract worrying. Take a look at your life. Acknowledge what is already good about it. Grateful. Mindful. Happy.
Stay Motivated and Caffeinated!😉☕