If a problem has a solution, there is no need to worry.
If a problem does not have a solution, there is no need to worry.
~the Dalai Lama
Worry is so ingrained in most of us that we are not even aware of the “worry loop” spinning in the background of our thoughts. At least until other thoughts give way and worry comes to the forefront. Then the anxious narratives take on even more momentum as we fret over money, kids, relationships, work, politics, climate change, violence, viruses, and more. Worry keeps us up at night and dampens our enjoyment of life. And it damages our health.
That’s not news. We all know this. So why are we so addicted to worry? Sometimes we think worry is loving. We might think, for example, that worrying about our kids shows that we love them. But does it? Maybe it teaches them that love looks like fear. We might think that worry prevents bad things from happening. But does it? Planning and preparation might avoid problems, but we can plan and prepare without worry. And even the best preparation can’t protect against things we can’t control. Many of our worries are imagined scenarios of various future dire possibilities. But, as Mark Twain said, “My life has been full of terrible misfortune, most of which never happened.” Of course, it’s true that sometimes terrible misfortune does happen, but does worry help us cope with life’s challenges when they show up? On the contrary, worry can impair our ability to be present with what is happening and to respond appropriately.
So I’m wondering if worry ever really makes life better. Consider how much time and energy we spend worrying. How does worry measure up in a cost/benefit analysis? Could that time and energy be put to better use? If you answered yes, then the next question is how to break the grip that worry has on our beleaguered minds. There are many specific things that can help, such as prayer, therapy, meditation, nature, affirmations, and countless others, but really it comes down to an honest evaluation of the effectiveness of worry. The Dalai Lama’s quote at the beginning of this post puts it in very simple terms. Worry doesn’t really help. It isn’t necessary and is even detrimental to the optimum functioning and experience of our lives.
Our minds develop habitual thinking patterns. If one of your patterns is based on worry, then you can interrupt your mental machinations by gently telling your mind that the worrying is not helpful. Just that. It doesn’t help. You can do this without judging or berating yourself. Give your mind something else to do. Create different thinking habits that make better use of your time and energy, such as acceptance, gratitude, contentment, reassurance, confidence, mindfulness, patience, forgiveness, and compassion. Life will be better, not because circumstances have changed, but because you have.
Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia. ~Charles M. Schulz
Great post Galen! Thank you! ~Kathy
Thanks Kathy! I have been busy with a new grandchild (!) and haven’t been to your blog lately. On my way there now to see what you’ve been up to.
This is just what I needed to read today. Expressing gratitude to you.
Gratitude received and appreciated. So glad it was timely. Thanks, Lydia.
I want the Dalai Lama’s quote on a tee shirt; tattooed on my forehead; and maybe on my tombstone (let’s not go there). I’ve been a cancer patient, on and off, for the past 27 years. My numbers are up and tomorrow I have a PET scan. My faith in God carries me, but I must confess, there are moments of worry. I will remember that wonderful quote. Perfect timing for me to read this post. Many thanks, Galen! Congratulations on your new grandchild!
Oh Pam, you are on the razor’s edge of practicing letting go of worry. That is a big ask. I hope that this quote continues to inspire you to have courage and peace in all circumstances. Your faith will indeed carry you if you trust it to, even when worry threatens to overwhelm. I’m sure you have a strong support network holding you up, but if you ever want to talk, please email me at galenpearl@gmail.com and we’ll find a time to talk. And even if you don’t want to talk, please email me if you want to and let me know the results of your scan.
And thank you for the congratulations. She is a blessing.
Here’s another quote (from Rumi) I find inspiring — this is the one I want tattooed on my forehead!
I have seen everything
I have no fear
I have the heart of a lion
I shine like Venus
Thank you for your encouraging words, Galen. I will let you know how my test turns out. So kind of you to care…
Of course. I do care! So please do let me know.
I so appreciate this post today! I especially loved “interrupt your mental machinations by gently telling your mind that the worrying is not helpful.”
Thank you for your words of wisdom!
Hugs from Texas……
Thanks, Becky. Sometimes our minds just need to be redirected. I think of it like training a puppy — something you can relate to!
Well said!
Give your mind something else to do. Create different thinking habits that make better use of your time and energy, such as acceptance, gratitude, contentment, reassurance, confidence, mindfulness, patience, forgiveness, and compassion. Life will be better, not because circumstances have changed, but because you have.
Thanks David!
Thank you for this timely reminder!
You’re welcome, Sue. We all need reminders! I know I do.
Galen, your perspective that if a problem has a solution, there’s no need to worry, and if it doesn’t, worrying won’t help, is both simple and profound. This mindset encourages a focus on proactive problem-solving while releasing unnecessary anxiety over things beyond our control. It’s a refreshing reminder to channel our energy wisely and embrace peace of mind. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful approach to navigating life’s challenges.
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