Some thoughts and discussions from me.

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That’s something one of my good friends told me the other day.

I try to live my life in the most stress-free way I can, and that means not being too concerned with the things I can’t control (or even the things I can, really.) That also means, worrying a heck of  a lot less than I used to.

What I didn’t realize was that it was apparent to other people, too.

Although there was a time way back -   when  I didn’t really know who I was-  when I wanted to be a type A person for some reason, I’ve never really been one. I’ve never been an extremely prompt person, I’ve always taken things in stride, I have my own version of organized chaos, and I’ve never really understood why people would obsess over silly things – like winning at everything.

In fact, my mom always likes to tell the story of how, when I first started playing softball as a little girl, I was walking onto the field with my team for a game as the team who just played before us was finishing up. One of the girls was bawling as she was walking off the field.

I said to my mom, “why is that girl crying?!” To which my mom replied, “well, she lost the game.” My natural response was one in confusion, asking “oh…well what do you get if you win??” (Answer: nothing.)

That’s not to say I never worry, though. I used to worry quite a bit, and now have to literally work at not-worrying. Of course I worry about things, but when I do, I now follow it with a few actions. There’s a method to my madness happiness Winking smile And I’m not sharing this because I think I’m super zen, or that I have a bunch of wisdom on the topic, nor that I live the ultimate, stress free life. I don’t. I’m just sharing some things that help me out, and maybe they’ll help you out, too. And maybe you can share something that will help me/others out!

How I Not-Worry About Anything

1. See the positive.

For starters, I can’t stand when people complain all of the time. On one hand, it drives me bonkers when people complain about trivial things, and it makes me want to yell obscenities. On the other hand, it makes me sad to see someone who’s unable to see the positive side. Because of this, I force myself to look at things on the bright side – or at least try and see the positive in every situation I’m in. When that doesn’t work, I go to #2.

2. Know that everything happens for a reason.

Yes, I’m one of those people. I’m a believer, and know that God opens doors and He closes them. He sees and directs everything that comes across my path, and I (really, really, really try to) blindly trust.

3. I talk myself out of worry.

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This one’s a big one. Yes, shitty things do happen. It’s life. But what’s the point in worrying or being upset or stressing out about something that either a) already happened b) hasn’t happened yet or c) is none of my business. Basically, I Love What Is by questioning if 1) I can absolutely know what’s making me upset is true, 2) how do I react when I think that thought, and 3) how would I feel without that thought.  I try and enjoy my reality whether that’s climbing a mountain, or accidentally breaking the laptop for the studio I teach for. It’s reality, I can’t change it. Might as well love it and learn from it.

Living a life with minimal stress is extremely important to me. In my opinion and research, stress can be more damaging to a human body than a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits combined. Plus, it’s a lot more pleasant, in my opinion.

Now if I could just get all of my pictures organized on this computer….Winking smile

Are you a worrier? What are some ways you make yourself  worry less?