A year or so ago, my car was rear-ended. (In the UK, we used to call it having someone “go up the back of you”.) The damage to the car was minor, the damage to me – aside from the inconvenience of sorting it out – happily none.
But since then, I’ve noticed I spend far more time looking in the rear view mirror, cringing when other cars seem to be too close. And I never make that same right turn without wondering who’s going to kiss my rear – so to speak.
In other words, I’m anxious about something I really can’t control.
I’m not telling you to ditch all your apprehensions. That’s almost impossible, and I’d be an enormous hypocrite. But I do encourage you to notice what you’re worrying about, and ask yourself, is this something I can reasonably control, or even influence? If not, maybe you’d be better off turning your thoughts elsewhere, and figuring out what small actions you can take to mitigate your concerns. In fact, even catching yourself in the act of worrying can be a powerful step.
Do you care to share one of your worries here? Or how about a tip for worrying a little less?
A Spoonful of Serenity
Let’s leave anxiety to one side and turn to my Friday selection of useful resources for serenity seekers.
- I enjoyed these suggestions for how to declutter your mind. If sewing isn’t your thing, any gentle task for your hands may be helpful.
- How to relax without falling asleep!
- Finally, encouragement for the transition from busy to balanced.
Julie Valerie @Julie_Valerie
March 19, 2017 at 7:45 amI always remind myself of this when I fly. I can’t control the situation, so I should just relax, right?
Pauline
March 21, 2017 at 11:41 amWell, yes, but easier said than done, which is what I find intriguing about this category of worry!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
March 28, 2017 at 8:40 amPauline, these are wise words indeed! About something that I am dealing with as well. I am a worrier, and I’ve been really trying to overcome it this year. I’m not worried about anything in particular, it can be anything. But I stop and ask myself if it’s something I can do anything about, and if it’s not I try to put it out of my mind. (BTW, we were rear-ended once, turned around, couldn’t see a thing. Turned out to be a drunk bicyclist! Sounded as loud as if it had been a car, and we had a round dent about 3 inches deep and 6 inches or so in diameter where his bare head had hit. He was not hurt in the slightest.)
Pauline
March 28, 2017 at 1:13 pmJean, I’m sorry to laugh at your rear-end experience but that’s a wonderful tale. I used to bike a lot around Cambridge and I admit to getting far too close to cars on more than one occasion. I wasn’t drunk, though.
Ironically, the night after publishing this post I was awake at 2AM planning for the most unlikely scenario you could ever imagine. I could tell it was ridiculous but somehow couldn’t stop myself.
Thank you, as always, for sharing.