7 Ways to Stop Worrying and Start Living Rachel Devine
Many people are under the false illusion that if they worry, they somehow have control over the outcome. I can assure you that, worry never changes the outcome of any situation. And quite honestly, the more we worry, the more negative energy is poured over the problem you are worrying about. Let’s explore 7 ways to stop worrying and start living. And let’s explore how this can transform your life!
Stay in the Moment
The first step to get rid of worry is to stay in the moment. When we worry, we have lost touch with reality, because we are not living in the moment, but living in the future about what we are worried about. When you can focus on the solution to whatever you are worried about, you can stay in the moment. We are all safe in the moment, because we don’t think about past regrets or future worries in this sacred moment. Some ways to stay in the moment would be to say a prayer, take a walk in nature, or perhaps meditate or do a mindful exercise. Looking at the trees, the sky, and the birds, will put you in the moment. You can close your eyes and just put yourself in a happy place of peace.
Is it Real or Imagined?
You want to ask yourself if your worry is real or imagined. Ask yourself these three questions.
Is what I am worried about definitely something that will happen?
Is what I am worried about, maybe something that will happen?
Is what I am worried about unlikely to happen?
Sometimes we worry about things that are unlikely to happen, just out of habit, because we are so conditioned to worry. We also worry about something that might happen in life, but then again, it might not happen. If you are worried about something that is definitely going to happen, you might want to turn that around to be proactive. Having a proactive approach to solving a problem is much more empowering than worrying about it. Look for solutions, not at the problem. If you are at a point where worry is ruling your life, then it might be time to talk it out with a professional therapist. Even some short-term therapy can give great perspective on what is happening around us.
Let Go and Let God
Let go and let God is a 12-step slogan, which is very useful in a state of worry. When we can put our problems in God’s hands, we can find some serenity and acceptance. Some of our problems are not within our control. We might be lamenting over a problem that a family member has that we have absolutely no say in or control over. In these circumstances, we have to trust in our Higher Power and know that letting go will bring acceptance and peace. If you are worried about someone you love, you can mentally wrap them in your favorite blanket and hand them over to God to care for them. This will release you from any worry about the outcome of their problem. Another way to find peace is to immerse yourself in positive quotes.
Release the Fear
Fear is usually the culprit behind worry. We start to think about the future, and fear comes into play with all of its predictions for a horror-filled future. I always say that if you are going to predict how the future will turn out, why not choose a positive outcome rather than a negative one? Choosing a negative outcome will only put a lot of negative energy around the problem. Choosing a positive outcome will put positive energy into the problem. From my experience in life, when I am in a positive state of mind, my life moves in a positive direction. This is the premise of the law of attraction. We attract what we are thinking about, or like attracts like. Release the fear and replace it with love. Say a loving prayer. Just stay in a loving state and don't let fear take control. Remember, fear is a state of mind, and you have the power to change your thoughts.
My Happy Place in Myrtle Beach!
Positive Visualization
There is power in positive visualization. Just sit and visualize a positive outcome for whatever you are worried about. Sit and picture a perfect outcome, and keep that vision in your head throughout the day. You can also fall asleep at night with one positive image. You can add feelings to that image. I suggest, as you fall asleep feel what it would be like if your positive visualization came to fruition. It is the feelings that can bring the image into your waking world, as you would be feeding these feelings into your subconscious mind, which navigates your life 97% of the time. You can also feel and visualize your happy place, and you can put yourself in that state often. Visualizing a place of peace and happiness on a regular basis, will help alleviate stress and worry. What a gift to have a place to go to in your mind that invokes happiness.
Attitude of Gratitude
Gratitude is the equalizer in life. When you wake up each morning, list 10 things you are grateful for. It would be hard to spend the rest of your day worrying or complaining when you are in a state of gratitude. Worrying is a waste of energy. Use your energy to invigorate your environment with gratitude, which will enhance your life with much peace. Being in a state of gratitude will also make you feel happy.
In closing, remember once you can put worry aside, you can start to live again and be happy. Make plans to go out with friends or visit family. Perhaps you have put off a long-awaited vacation. Or maybe you want to take a drive to the mountains, the beach, or visit that new winery. Maybe you want to go to a movie or go out to your favorite restaurant. Maybe you want to go to a concert. Your life cycle happens one time, so you want to make the most of each day. The way to do that is to release the worry by staying in the moment, letting God handle your worries, releasing the fear, using positive visualization, and staying in gratitude. Once you can practice these steps, you are on your way to living a full life free of worry, which will bring true happiness and peace.
Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road, a book that gently guides one to the power within and your purpose in life & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack, a spiritual book on dating and relationships.
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