“Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere.” Glen Turner
I love quotes about worrying. They make me laugh and they make me think! Are you a worrywart? Well, then here is another famous quote to reflect upon: “Worry trades the joy of now for the unlikely catastrophes of later.” Tim Fargo
Projecting into the future is a guaranteed way to create fear because no one can manage the future. Anxiety is caused by the “what ifs”. What if this happens, what if that happens? We make up stories and give them validity. Those stories create very “unlikely catastrophes.” When I was in early recovery, I had a technique to use when I projected into the future. I visualized that my mind was on the end of a fishing line and then I would reel it back into the present. I don’t know where that idea came from but it worked great. There are a lot of catastrophes in the future—most are unlikely! Live in the here and now!
I recall one time I was sitting around worrying about a couple of life situations. The question came to mind, “Why are you worrying; that is unusual for you? “ My usual approach to things is to problem-solve by using the tools I have learned in recovery. So I continued the conversation with myself, deciding it would be a good idea to write down my worries and put them in my God Box. However, I didn’t know where it was. Instead, I visualized it and mentally placed those worries in the box. It worked! Soon afterward, the phone rang and the caller said exactly what I needed to hear to put my worries to rest. I firmly believe that whatever we send out to the Universe is answered. My answer came quickly that day. Let go!
The Serenity Prayer is a good way to address worries by separating the things that can be changed from those which require acceptance. We have only two choices really, to find the courage to change the things we can and wisdom to accept those things we cannot change. Both require some kind of action. Either way, one thing that can always be changed is a thought. I can take every negative, fear producing thought and change it. I have an affirmation that does the trick for me: “I am safe. I am secure. I am protected. I am healed.” Affirm!
Of course, the first word of the serenity prayer is “God”. We ask to be granted serenity. Taking the spiritual path is the best way for me. God always grants me serenity when I ask for it. Here is a prayer I use to dispel worry, anxiety, and fear. “Here is my worry, God. Please take it and change me. I have no power. You have the power. Thank you for making this change in me.” This is my step six and seven prayer. Pray!
Remember the song, “Why worry, be happy?” It was so popular it got irritating but I have never forgotten that refrain. So let’s discard the worry today and Be Happy! Sing!