If you're reading this, congratulations. You have realized there is a negative, unwelcome feeling that is consuming your thoughts and actions: worry. It seems that everything that comes up in your life or that even has the slightest possibility of occurring, leads to unnecessary worry, stress, and fear. So why not just stop? I mean that's the simplest thing to do, right? But I get it. It's not that easy. Worriers even worry about worrying too much. It's what we do. But here's the thing: you can stop. I can stop. We all can stop. It just takes a change of mindset and a change of heart. But you must be willing to give up this negative way of taking on life that has become so habitual for you. Although my words may not be enough to open your eyes, the words of others may. Hopefully after reading these powerful words, you can decide in your heart to change your mindset and take back the joy in your life from the thief itself: worry.
1. "What's coming will come and we'll meet it when it does." - Hagrid, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
This is such a simple quote in context, but holds so much meaning. The events that will occur in your life, will occur no matter how much you worry about it. However, there is a difference in worrying and planning. Plan for the events in your life, but do not waste your precious time worrying about them. Instead, meet these circumstances head-on with positive thoughts and you will be a force to be reckoned with.
2. "Worry is a misuse of the imagination" - Dan Zadra
As a chronic worrier, you are using so much of your time just worrying. But if you can imagine innumerable hypothetical circumstances and situations to worry about, there are equally as many wonderful things you could think of if you erased worry from your life. By replacing the negative worry with positive thoughts, your life could immensely change for the better.
3. "And everyday the world will drag you by the hand yelling, 'this is important! And this is important! And this is important! You need to worry about this! And this! And this! And each day, it's up to you to yank your hand back, put it on your heart, and say, 'No. This is what's important.'" - Iain Thomas
This is one of the most relatable quotes I have ever read. It is honestly the mirror of what my thoughts consist of every day. But just as worrying is an every day choice, we must make the daily choice to not worry. We must choose to fill our constant thoughts with positivity and faith that we will make it through each thing the world throws our way. By doing this, life will be so much more enjoyable on a daily basis.
4. "You can destroy your now by worrying about your tomorrow." - Janis Joplin
How many times have you shorted yourself of joy during the best times of your life because you were too worried about something else? How many times have you refrained from freely and fully immersing yourself in the moment because of fear of what might happen if you do? How many times have you backed out of a good relationship because you were scared and worrying about the future? How many times have you withdrawn to yourself because you were too worried about getting hurt to enjoy the happiness you were feeling? If you answered these questions honestly, you are probably ashamed of the answer. But do you want to know the wonderful news? You can stop doing these things. You can stop the worrying. You can stop the withdrawing. You can begin to enjoy every single worry-free second of life. Imagine the beautiful moments of life that will occur if you remove these worries from your life.
5. "God says don't worry about your future. He is the author of your story and he has already written your final chapter." - Max Lucado
Wow. Did you read that? God does not want us to worry. Do you understand this? The creator of the entire universe does not want YOU to worry. Do you know what's even more amazing? He wants you to bring your worries to Him! All of them. Not just the big worries, but the tiny ones, the small ones, the medium sized ones, the irrelevant ones, and the imaginary ones. He wants them all. His word addresses our worries and fears in Matthew 6:34, 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:27, and so many other verses. God loves us all and does not want our life here to be spent worrying, but instead spent living for Him and loving others. Don't let your worry hinder you from accomplishing these things.
In this short life we have all been given, we should be focused solely on freely enjoying every second. Even though we may worry about tomorrow, it is not promised to us. Live your life in a way that will make yours fears run away and your worries disappear. With freedom from worry and a heart full of joy, your life can be so much more beautiful and fulfilling than it already is!
