Why Am I Choosing to Worry?

Worrying can feel awful. I know; I’ve been there. But what if being worried isn’t just something that happens? What if you were the one creating this experience?

I’ve spent my summer so far transitioning jobs, moving across the country, starting a new business, dealing with medical issues, and visiting family. More than once, I’ve been tempted to feel anxious. I’ve also noticed that in these moments I can choose to fan the flame of my worries. It can even be sort of fun to do so. I get to have a pity party, and thinking that I’m a victim of my circumstances allows me to become reactive and disengaged. 

However, I’ve also noticed that there’s another way to respond. When there’s much to do and life is tumultuous, I can choose to practice peaceful presence and calm, focused action. This is also fun but in a different way. When I choose the second way, I am creative, feeling connected and at ease. 

It is said that nobody has added even an hour to his life by worrying. It occurs to me that if there’s nothing to be gained by worrying about something as serious as the day of our death, then perhaps there’s not much to be had by worrying about anything else either.

This week I invite you to notice: 

What am I worrying about? In what ways has this worry benefited me? In what ways has it not? What would change for me if I spent 10% less time in worry and 10% more time in peace? 

God bless,
Dan