QUIT WORRYING...IT’S A WASTE OF TIME

QUIT WORRYING...IT’S A WASTE OF TIME

“Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due.” William Ralph Inge

Life is sometimes difficult. Challenges come our way and we feel there is nothing we can do. We feel so helpless, as if the world is coming to an end. We respond in a reflex manner and start to worry. We worry and worry, and even worry some more. But tell me something, has worry ever solved your problem? Nope! It never will, because it is just a waste of time and energy and actually makes the problem bigger than it is! So the next time life seems to want to kick you, do anything but worry. Easier said than done right? I guess. But it is not as hard as it sounds. Here’s what you can do to destroy the worry habit.
Pray: Prayer works wonders. God never leaves a genuine and faithful prayer unanswered. He may respond in His time (which is always the right time) but, He will definitely show you the way to fix that problem. Have trust in God. Sometimes we need a ‘rock’ and God is the best ‘rock’ to depend on. Talk with Him, tell Him what you need and then tune yourself in to His responses. He does a much better job than you can so, let Him do His job!
View the problem objectively: Now is not the time to get emotional and subjective. Take an impartial view of the issue and come up with an action plan to resolve it. Turn to friends and family who can assist you. Every problem really has an opportunity hidden somewhere, so see it not as a frustrating event, but as a challenge to overcome. Define the problem (this is critical), outline the worst that can probably happen, identify possible causes, brainstorm solutions, and most importantly - take action! Every problem is solvable.
Stay in the present moment: We like to live in three time zones simultaneously: the past, the present, and the future. But really, it’s only the present that is alive. The past is gone and cannot be changed (what’s done is already done) and the future has not yet arrived, so why worry about either? When we remain present in the moment we get the strength to handle the challenge. Don’t overburden yourself with other time zones. Learn from your past, prepare a bit for the future, but live only in the present. This works best for me.
Keep busy: The mind cannot think of more than one thing at a time. Thank God! When you occupy your thoughts with something else you won’t have the spare time to worry. Do some work, go to a movie, listen to some good music, or talk to someone. Do something to get your mind off the worry. When we worry too much we disallow true wisdom to come our way. So, distance your mind from the problem and give it some ‘breathing space.’ Get busy and keep busy; it’s one of the cheapest medicines for conquering worry.
Do not fuss about trivial matters: You cannot win every battle. Some are worth the energy and others need to be dropped. Sometimes we really worry over the most meaningless stuff. Be careful and remember, if you give it energy, it will expand. Will the issue really matter a month or year from now? If not, stop wasting time and move on.
Just let it be: Now there are some things that we just cannot change. No matter how much we try, some things, and some people, will never change. Are you going to hit your head against the wall and expect to break it down? I do not think you’ll succeed. It’s the same with fighting what you cannot change or win. Acceptance is quite liberating at times. It has the affect of massaging rather than banging your head. So, just let it be!
Focus on others: Instead of keeping the spotlight on our worry, shift it towards others. When we help others it increases our own health and happiness. We regain some control and perspective of the situation and soon enough our crisis submerges. So, got a problem? Go out there and help someone solve theirs. Sounds incredible, but it works!
Forget them: Quite often we also worry about what others might say or think about us. And yes, sometimes constructive criticism is good, but there are times when criticism is a personal attack against you. Know that such feedback does not matter. You are not what others think about you. You are a cool, special person. As Dale Carnegie said, “No one ever kicks a dead dog.” Listen to your well-wishers and ignore your enemies.
Surrender: Finally, just do your best and leave the rest up to God. We have to take action but sometimes surrendering to the universal energy is the best solution. When I let go and let God, I feel energized and I immediately quit worrying. In other words, put a quota on worrying and do not exceed it! Let God take over when you can do no more.
Friend, do yourself the biggest favour and never ever worry again. Let us all together crack down on worry. Worry not only brings on unnecessary stress but has the potential to destroy you, as it leads to serious illnesses which can result in death. The world is looking for cures for major ailments and I have found one of the best: stop worrying! Have the faith that God is on your side and all will be good. I know it will be!