Don’t worry about the world…

Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia. – Charles Schulz

What does that mean?
To me, this is a reminder that too many people worry about too many things. How can the world end today? It’s already tomorrow in Australia, and quite a number of other places. We really need to get a grip sometimes.

We tend to worry about the things we have the least control over. If the world was going to end sometime soon, do you really think you could make a difference? Do you think you could stop it from happening? Perhaps in a movie, but in real life, probably not.

Why is not worrying important?
What are you worrying about? If you can do something about it, then get busy. If not, what does worrying do for you? I don’t know about you, but it makes me nuts. Worrying gives me headaches, back-aches, nervous tics and irritates my entire body, mind and spirit. Not a good thing to have going on.

I try to do the opposite of worry, which to me is to relax and to be calm. I know, it’s not always easy. But I’ve been working at it for a decade and I think I may just get out of this life without an ulcer.

How do you feel when you worry about something you have no power to change? Or worse yet, how do you feel when you are worrying about something you have the power to change, but aren’t busy changing it?

Where can I apply this in my life?
I use faith in a higher power as a crutch in times of worry. I firmly believe that we aren’t given anything we can’t handle.

Some might ask “what about cancer or some other fatal illness?” My response would be to remind them that everything that is born will eventually die. The only variable is when, where and how. By “handling” a fatal situation, I would fight like hell to keep alive for as long as possible, but try to set an example in my death. Worrying won’t make that situation any better, right?

What are the things you worry about? Your weight? Your breath? How you will do on an interview or a test? My advice is to do what you can to prepare, and then ride it out. Find a program to alter your lifestyle, not a diet that you will eventually give up on. Brush your teeth, gargle, and stay away from garlic. Study and prepare, and then relax.

Grab some paper and write down all the things you are worried about right now. Sort through them and look for a pattern. How many are in your control to influence? The rest should be outside your ability to influence, right?

For all the items that are outside your control or ability to influence, quit worrying about them. It might be a good idea to make some contingency plans so that you are as prepared as possible for any of the possible outcomes, but don’t worry.

For all the items that are within your control or ability to influence, get a plan, some thoughts at least, and get busy. Find others who have been through whatever it is that is worrying you and get some ideas on how to deal with the situation and get busy. Do research on the web or in the library and find out more about the situation and how experts recommend you deal with it and get busy. Find a help group or a professional who deals with your situation, get some assistance and then get busy. Did you notice a thread in this section? If it’s within your control or power to influence, don’t worry, get busy! (sorry Bobby)

There’s another quote that deals with worry that I really like: “Don’t worry about the little stuff.” It has a corollary, “It’s all little stuff.” So what are you worrying about?

From: Twitter, @QuoteHouse
confirmed at : http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesms105974.html
Photo by mecredis