anxious: characterized by extreme uneasiness of mind about some contingency
contingency: an event that may but is not certain to occur
(Merriam Webster)
READ THIS OUT LOUD TO YOURSELF:
extreme uneasiness of mind about an event not certain to occur
Why are we spending so much time thinking about our hypothetical futures?
Anxiety is at epidemic proportions in the world. I’m personally having far too many sleepless nights lately. I want to get a handle on my it before it affects my health, my choices and how I respond to events in my life, both big and small.
Research always makes me feel settled down. I dug in this morning.
FAST COMPANY ARTICLE BY HALEY GOLDBERG: “When we stare into a fuzzy crystal ball, it’s easy to start to worry about what’s inside, like a present we can never unwrap. And it feels productive. Studies show that we often believe worrying can prevent negative outcomes or it can help us find a better way of doing things.” FAST COMPANY ARTICLE
These three words really stood out to me…it feels productive. “FEELS” is the cue I needed to settle my brain down a little bit. Feels implies it isn’t productive at all, our brain has been tricked into thinking that the act of worrying is somehow keeping bad things from happening.
If my brain can be TRICKED, then my brain can also call bullshit when it notices the trickery. Not every time, but with practice, at least increase the frequency of noticing.
Today, I feel anxious about a few big things happening in my life right now…my father is in the hospital, my three young adult children are all in transition and my life is going to change quite dramatically in the next few months. And yet…
“I know what to do, even when I don’t know what to do.”
I’m trying to remind myself that, even though THE FUTURE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE UNCERTAIN, I believe I can handle whatever the universe throws at me.
Handling it, might mean falling apart, calling upon my team to steady me and going through a period of deep grief and sorrow.
Correct me if I’m wrong, that’s still handling it, right?
I try to remind myself of this often.
Thanks Lisa! You have no idea how much I need this right now. I was literally sitting and taking deep breaths to calm my anxiety after anotger night of difficulty sleeping. we are very strong women. thanksfor your words of wisdom. hope your having a great time on the cape. thinking of you😘 Xo Rox Sent from my iPhone
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Prayers for your dad to get well..
I struggle with this. Sigh.
Noticing that you struggle is a great start, Claudette. There’s a lot of anxiety in the world right now. Trying to stay in the moment and be present seems like an act of revolution. We all have to keep noticing and trying…fail and try again.
Hi Lisa- I just wanted to reach out again as a support for you with your Dad being sick, it’s been quite a process for me with my Dad and am happy to be here for you, All the best, Lynne
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Love you. I wish I can help you to not feel this way but I can’t. But I do know that you are smart,strong and you will get trough. Next year this will be a grey fog that will convert in memory. Hang in there.
Thank you Lisa!
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You’re welcome, Donna. We all need a little shift in perspective sometimes. I write to clarify my own thoughts and hope that it resonates and is helpful to someone else.
I have found strength and success in working through life anxieties from reading and praying.
Matthew 11:28; “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Good news for modern man indeed!
Mark
Thank you Lisa ! I needed this! I know that God helps us to settle our minds ! Love to you ❤️
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