Our current world is providing ample opportunities to become experts at worrying. Each day our news feed and social media bring tales of concern around personal safety and disruptive influences in the world around us. The more sensational the news, the more constantly newsworthy it seems to be. The consequences for us is that we feel less and less calm and in control of our lives and more worried about our future.
The progress of the Covid 19 pandemic has created mental anguish. Particularly as we are now experiencing its impact over an increasing length of time. Many of us are becoming jaded and disheartened seeing no end in sight. Instead of overcoming the virus we are now being asked to live with it in our midst.
Yet we have all been through disruptions in our lives, times when we have faced increased challenges and levels of fear and uncertainty. Some of us have left marriages and long term relationships. Others have lost loved ones or missed important family occasions. Life threatening health diagnosis and treatments have been faced. As we get older we see more clearly that navigating life’s changing circumstances is part of our journey.
We can spend our days thinking about potential misfortune yet it won’t change the outcome. All it seems to do is sap us of our energy and take away the joy of living in the present moment. The best antidote is to let our mind and heart rest for a while. Focus on the world that currently exists around us and marvel at its simple pleasures.
‘Worry is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength.
Corrie ten Boom
Much of our worry tends to be directed towards those we love. The two emotions of love and fear closely entwined so our minds create wonderous scenarios of misfortune ahead. It takes a conscious effort to halt the mental drama happening, to take a breath and still our mind. More than likely the things we imagine will not come to pass. If they do, then it is time to put the mental energy into actioning steps to respond accordingly.
Other times we worry what strangers are doing and the indirect impact their actions may have on our well-being. We get angry or upset at their opposing viewpoints. We get incensed at what we believe are their thoughtless actions. The negative mindset we are capable of creating can easily topple our calm and contentment.
“Don’t waste the rest of your time here worrying about other people– — unless it affects the common good. It will keep you from doing anything useful. You’ll be too preoccupied with what so and so is doing, and why, and what they’re saying, and what they’re thinking, and what they’re up to, and all the other things that throw you off and keep you from focusing on your own mind.”
Marcus Aurelius
Perhaps instead it is time for radically accepting what is happening in the world around us. For each of us to trust that if life is taking us in a different direction to what we would choose for ourselves, that we will be okay. The twists and turns of the journey can be opportunities for lessons and changed perspectives. Embrace the unexpected as opportunities for personal growth for not only yourself but also for those around you. The life that continues to emerge may be exactly what you have been looking for all along.