Imagine if I could give you a box containing each moment you’ve ever spent worrying, doubting or stressing. What if you could take the time in that box and devote it to something important to you? How much could you have achieved, created or loved with that time? Tons.
Have you ever stopped to think about what you thought you were doing with all that frenetic energy?
You thought you were helping to fix a problem.
Not so.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same
thinking we used when we created them.” -Einstein
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow;
it empties today of its strength.” -Corrie Ten Boom
Every moment spent in worry, doubt or stress is not only wasted, it blocks the emergence and recognition of a solution.
I can’t give you a box of yesterday’s moments, but you can give yourself today’s, tomorrow’s and the rest of your life’s moments.
You could change the world with that time, starting with yours.
~ Cynthia
Well, this certainly hits home for me today! I am leaving on Monday for a week. You would think I was leaving for a year. I have not traveled alone for 16 years. The last time I was on a plane with my family I had a panic attack. I am going to a place where I grew up to see friends of my mothers that I have become very close to since my mothers death. I wanted to reward myself with this visit after "catching up" on all the issues in my life. HA That is so not happening. I am stressed about leaving my antique store although it is being left in very capable hands. I am stressed that some financial horrible issue will come up while I am gone. I will have to leave a taped sign on the dryer so that my husband and two adult sons will remember to empty the lint trap lest they burn the house down. I have been so scattered, worried, stressed that I have been unable to complete the simplest tasks this week. I am afraid that I will get to my destination and it will bring back so many memories of my mother and my growing up years. As I type this…..maybe that is what it is all about. Anyway thank you for the reminder. I will try to be calm and I will try to BREATHE. There is not a person in my life that cares about me that would not put me on the plane right now. They all know I need to do this. I need the break. I need the visit. Thank you for your writing this today.
Nicki:
My dear, I understand. Here’s some food for thought:
1) If, God forbid, something happened to you, everyone would find a way to survive. That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t miss you; it means they’ll all manage without you. Really. Rest your heart.
2) You don’t have to be a victim of feelings and thoughts. You can be a partner. Isn’t it normal that you will feel intense joy, longing and deep sadness visiting your childhood home? It is, and it is beautiful.
3) What a tragedy it would be if something horrible happened and you could never make this trip. What a blessing it is that it hasn’t, and won’t.
4) This life you’re living, you’re at the center. You are the opinion that matters the most. Those friends and people from your past, whatever they have to think, say or feel about you, doesn’t change you. Only you can.
5) A brilliant teacher of mine once said that worrying about problems that haven’t occurred is the same as paying interest on money you haven’t borrowed. You’re smarter than that.
6) There comes a point where we must assume control of the errant child running amok in our minds. Only we can.
7) How about this, I support you in your worries, go ahead freak out, but let’s agree that right now isn’t the time. On Feb 8th, go for it, worry your heart out. You’re too busy right now.
Have a great trip. It will be OVER before you know it.
Cynthia
It is as though every single word that you wrote was meant for me. Your response to Nikki's comment was helpful to me as well. This has always been an area in which I have struggled and i have been working very hard to not only overcome those issues bit to work through them as well. Everything seems possible and within my grasp when i truly put forth the effort to change my way of thinking and work towards creating a whole new thought pattern. thank you for giving me the tools that will bring me closer to living the life o know believe I am worthy of! You truly are an angel! THANK YOU!!!
It is so nice to hear from you, Debi. As always, I am proud to know you. You’re stll a champion.
C
Really nice blog you have here. This post is very mindboggling.
Made me think about all the times i have done what you have said in the post. Stress and worry are two things i have a bad tendancy to overthink. This would be mainly because i am a hypercondiract (sp?) and think the worst of the tiniest thing. However, with your blog it makes me realise what good things i can do and take a step back and think about the bigger picture and spend my tie and effort putting love and devotion into other areas of my life.
Amy.
Hi Amy,
Someone dear to me suffered a very unexpected and devastating illness. For years after I teetered on worry and doom whenever anyone I knew became ill. I completely understand. Your awareness, as shown in your writing, is the key to peace. If you are open, you may find comfort in Eckhart Tolle’s book, A New Earth.
Thank you for writing and be well.
Great wisdom.One small adjustment and a whole new possibility opens.