Ripples #873: Reducing Worry.
Feb 15, 2016
PEBBLE
It is the trouble that never comes
that causes the loss of sleep.
-Chas. Austin Bates, shared by Matt in Appleton, WI
BOULDER
Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.
-Arthur Somers Roche, shared by Donna in Naperville, IL
PONDER
Worrying is one of those things we all do a bit of, and its origins are quite noble: worry allows us to anticipate potential problems and to identify feasible solutions. If left unchecked, however, it can gradually and inadvertently shift from being a useful planning strategy and head towards becoming a significant drain on energy and creativity.
If you find yourself worrying more than a useful amount, try pausing for a moment to THANK yourself for having both a *concern* about an obstacle and also the *desire* to succeed. Quickly review the situation and see if there are reasonable actions you could take to prevent or resolve issues and make a plan to implement them. If you find yourself in an incessant loop of fear and caution, make it an opportunity to create a new habit of interrupting downward spirals with complementary thoughts: shift “Oh what if this awful thing happens,” into something like “Ooh, what if things turn out just fine….or even better than fine?”
Remember, it isn’t about eliminating worry completely. It’s about adjusting the volume and frequency so you can enjoy the benefits while minimizing your discomfort.
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
