Worry

Worry | York Avenue

A few days ago I left a comment on a great post from the inspiring Jess Lively, and she kindly responded and pointed me in the direction of the poignant Mark Twain quote above. How many of you can relate to his statement? I certainly can, and it reminded me of another great quote that I often think of when I start to worry about things that (like most things I worry about) are utterly outside of my control:

“Worry is a misuse of your imagination.”
-Dan Zadra

Sometimes when I find myself worrying, I think of that quote and I realize, yes, I’m using my imagination to construct a possible reality (a bad one). What if I just use my imagination, and instead, construct a better, or even a wonderful, possible reality? Both the bad one and the wonderful one are equally real-which is to say, not real at all, but rather constructs of my imagination. That thought helps me to remember that the things I worry about aren’t real. They are possibilities, yes. But so is me winning the Lottery a possibility. And I don’t think that’s actually going to happen. So why should I think the things I worry about are going to happen?

Everyone worries, but I think it’s important to utilize strategies to not let worrying consume your thoughts-which could be consumed with much better things, like simply thinking of something enjoyable, or coming up with a great idea, or imagining the good things that the future might hold. This is something that I’m continuously working on in my own life.

How about you guys? Any great strategies for overcoming worry?

Original image via. Text added by me. 

Leave a Comment

  1. viviana88 wrote:

    It's very true. Worry can weigh you down and you need to learn to brush it off sometimes. Great thoughtful Monday post!
    http://www.fashiontruffles.com

    Published 10.14.13 · Reply
  2. Vogue and Heels wrote:

    I don't have any great strategies, I just worry, but this helped me realized that maybe Im not worrying at all. Well said, Ill have to come up with some good strategies and of course Ill use some described here, but maybe Im not worrying, or shouldn't.

    -Vogue&Heels

    http://www.vogueandheels.com

    Published 10.14.13 · Reply
  3. Alyssa wrote:

    I love this. As someone who tends to be a serious over-worrier, I've found that it helps me to talk it out with friends. As much as I may bore them with my issues, they're always willing to listen, and most of the time tell me I'm thinking way too much about a situation. It's refreshing to hear another perspective!

    Published 10.14.13 · Reply
  4. hena tayeb wrote:

    I wish I had tips.. i worry, lose sleep and annoy my husband with those worries.. till the worry subsides.
    http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com

    Published 10.14.13 · Reply
  5. Holly Kvinge wrote:

    Such good advice! I try to turn my worries into plans. With teaching, I worry a dozen things will go wrong (and frankly, lots of things do), but instead of sitting and fretting, I come up with alternatives. That way, even my backup plan has a backup plan πŸ™‚

    Published 10.14.13 · Reply
  6. Such a great thought Holly! Having a backup plan can make you feel so much more secure, and it's active, so you feel more in control- whereas worrying is just passive and pointless. That's part of the reason I'm working on building up an emergency fund right now-backup plans and backup funds help put my mind at ease!

    Published 10.15.13 · Reply
  7. I think we all do that at times! It's definitely understandable πŸ™‚

    Published 10.15.13 · Reply
  8. Thanks Alyssa. You're lucky to have such great friends! I do the same thing with my Mom when I'm really worried-she's the best listener in the world. Having people to talk it out with can be such a relief. PS-I e-mailed you a little while back about possibly guest posting for a series I'm starting? Hope you got it, let me know if you're interested πŸ™‚

    Published 10.15.13 · Reply
  9. I hope these quotes are helpful to you! Sometimes just keeping quick little mantras like those in mind really helps me πŸ™‚ Thanks for your response!

    Published 10.15.13 · Reply
  10. Thanks Viviana! It's true, sometimes you need to just shake it off πŸ™‚

    Published 10.15.13 · Reply
  11. Kelly wrote:

    Loved this post. I feel like it's such a problem for almost everyone. I tend to try to think about all the things going "right" in my life whenever I find myself worrying about what could go wrong. Thanks for the inspiration, girl! πŸ™‚

    <3

    Kelly

    kellyinthecity.com

    Published 10.15.13 · Reply
  12. Thanks Kelly! You're totally right, instead of worrying about what could go wrong it's a good idea to keep in mind all of the great things we have in our lives. Great thought!

    Published 10.16.13 · Reply