We all worry – that’s a given, but mostly we worry about things that will probably not happen and sadly, that’s just a waste of vital energy. As humans, we spend so much of our thinking time fretting about past decisions and/or mistakes, or worrying about our short or long term future. Often, we just make up stories based on our fears.
If only we could learn to keep our focus on the here and now! If you’re reading this, right now, in this moment you’re ok and all is good. Try it. Don’t think about anything else, no past, current or future situations, real or imagined. Just take a slow, deep breath and focus on these words. You see, right here, right now is good.
One of the major ways we tip ourselves over into worry and all it’s repercussions is to lump everything in together. We think about all that we have to do in our days (or think we ‘have’ to do) and pretty soon we’re overwhelmed and that all too familiar state of worry sets in. Next can come anxiety, avoidance or paralysis – too much thinking and not enough constructive, productive action.
What if we practiced taking one thing at a time. Small steps, bit by bit.
As an example: if you’re concerned/worried about a particular situation in your work, family or other, try just thinking about that and nothing else for the next couple of minutes. Really think about it, in all its aspects. Now, take a deep breath and allow yourself to think of possible solutions or, if no pleasing solution is currently available, think about what steps you can take to change the situation in the future and about how you can manage it as calmly and effectively as possible now. It’s helpful to write these thoughts and ideas down.
Now try another situation that concerns you, using the same method.
It’s most likely you’ll find breaking things down and dealing with one situation (or thing that concerns you) at a time, giving yourself a designated time to think and write down possible solutions, will bring less worry, more peace and definitely more happiness as Every Day Gets Better.
PS: The next step is taking specific action on the things you’ve written down. All in my next blog post which I look forward to sharing with you. 😊👍
With thanks to Karen Salmansohn for the quote and lovely image. 💛
Thank you, Wendy. I experience this kind of anxiety every day myself. I’ll try your suggestions. I look forward to your next post!
Keep practicing observing your thoughts and bringing yourself back to your breath in this moment Sara. Much of the time our anxieties come from regrets from the past or worrying about the future. If we practice and learn to be fully present in each moment, we begin to feel calmer and more accepting of things as they are, with gratitude for all we already have. Sending calm and happy thoughts to you. 😊💛