“Why Worry?
There should be laughter after pain,
There should be sunshine after rain
These things have always been the same
So why worry now?”
Relax! Most of the stuff we worry about doesn't even happen!
I used to be the ultimate worry wart.
I had a panic attack for every occasion. From financial woes to ‘does my bum look big in this?’ type dilemmas.
I was plagued with the ‘what-ifs’ and the ‘what do they think of me’s', I would have mini cardiac arrests about a mess in the house, an upcoming bill or the fact my hair colour was not quite the shade I was aiming for.
I barely got through a day without having to close my eyes  count slowly to ten picturing calm waters and smiling Buddhas!
It was so difficult to enjoy life because rather than being in the moment, my head was compiling predictions of doom!
My alter ego “Nostri-doom-us” hung around more than I care to admit.
These days I am the opposite.
Perhaps it was one too many panic attacks or the realisation that as a Mama my son is going to take his cues on how to react to life from his parents.
Some of the things I DON’T worry about now, would make my own parent’s enter cardiac arrest territory.
They actually worry about my lack of worry at times! Crazy!
I have decided to trust in the flow of life and to put my energies into the things I can do, change and things that matter.
It is with pleasure that I have compiled Swami Sharni’s Guide to Five things NOT to worry about (aside from anything)
1) Mess. It is inevitable (particularly with a one year old)
If you are a parent, you can mop the floors until your pearly whites are reflected back at you but in five minutes it is going to be smeared with watermelon and Vegemite. Worrying about this raises your blood pressure, makes you feel a failure  and is a waste of your precious mind.
ACCEPT MESS! Embrace it, enjoy it! Make it! Sure it is also wonderfully therapeutic to clean it, but do so with a healthy sense of humour knowing that your best scrubbing is only going to come undone sooner than you think.
2) Lack of Sleep - worrying about not getting enough is what makes you tired! So don’t -a- worry!
Repeated declarations of how little sleep you have had (speaking from direct experience) “I only had THREE HOURS last night AND it was broken” makes you tired. Worrying about how you are going to get through the day makes it harder. Cut down on worrying about this and watch an amazing energy boost come into your life!
3) What other people think - As a great person once said “What other people think of me is not my business” Damn straight.
4) Weight - worry is futile. Action is key. Why worry about how fat you have become? Put the energy that you mull over it into belly dancing and kayaking! Worrying about it will only make you reach for the packet of Retro Party Mix.
5) Other people - you can stay awake all night troubled over a love one. You can make yourself cry, toss , turn and pull your hair out over someone else’s dilemma. Truth is, sometimes we worry about someone else, but they are not worried themselves! Perhaps take a leaf out of their non-worried book and save yourself the anguish….
Are you a worrier? What is your worry philosophy?
5 Comments
Damn straight Sharni. Have faith.
Worry is anxiety and anxiety is fear. Fear hold you back from all manner of things. To stop worrying I try to keep the company of imperfect people: That’s just about everyone of course :), but I really want to find people who regularly fail, try new things, and talk about it.
I do try to set a good example for others and show the people who matter to me most that it’s ok to fail. This is important as a parent because if your kids get that message from you then you have given them something really valuable. Something that will help them reach their true potential.
Finally, to stop worrying I lose the drama. I simply say those 3 words and a tremendous calm descends. It makes thinking clearly about some emotionally charged situations so much easier.
Love your thoughts on worry here Sharni.
Anxiety is my personal worst hobby ever. Worrying about stupid things that are only important in my own mind.
Blessed in so many ways, why sweat the small stuff?
I must admit…. though the above is my personal philosophy it is bloody hard!!!! While becoming a mum has helped me put things in perspective , silly things, it has increased future what-ifs………. but I try to keep a lid on them and stay in the present when I can
Damn right chicky!
I used to worry so much, especially about things that might never happen. I now only spend my worry on things that have happened and need sorting. In that respect worry can be slightly productive But tThe rest of it can fall away and I will leave it in the hands of angels and guides to sort out for me. That generally works.
Worry begets more worry and worry itself is often worse than the problem in hand!
Worry is low on my list of things to do. There are so many other things I’d rather be doing. Love you!