Worry the enemy of happiness

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will ~ Epictetus

I seem to know an awful lot of people who worry a great deal.  I’m constantly being told things like be safe, call me when you get there, and grilled from top to bottom about my next trip.  Now, maybe it’s just because they care about me and I happen to go on adventures that most people deem, well, a little nutty.

It does seem though that their worry extends beyond my occasional nuttiness.  It also may have something to do with the fact that in my life I’m surrounded by women.   According to a really interesting article of Gallup Poll results women are significantly more likely to worry than men.  So great, people are going to worry and given we live in a world with disease, war, poverty and lawyers it makes a bit of sense.  Heck biologically worry is actually a good thing, it forces us to prepare for potential dangers it’s when worry is overboard that we have an issue.

So what are the issues and what can we do:

Be realistic, don’t worry about an asteroid hitting earth, first the odds are incredibly low and you can’t do anything about it.  Also, don’t be overly concerned with crime, the violent crime rate in America has been declining for the last twenty years and is about that same as it was in the old days, the mid-70’s, this trend exists for almost every type of crime we just hear about them more because of the 24 hour cable news cycle.   The message, it’s ok to worry but worry about something worth worrying about.

Is the problem solvable, really, why are you worrying, is it something that you have no control over?  If so, than great, stop worrying just to worry and start thinking about how you can solve the problem.  If not, then really try to stop worrying because you can’t do anything about it.

Make the choice for happiness, and I know that’s not easy, no one snaps their fingers and stops worrying but work on worrying less, work on being happier.  Of course you’re reading this and it’s a good start, take the advice we put forth here to heart, it can help you be happier and that emotion is more powerful than worry.

Remember worry is contagious, this is significant in a couple of ways, first stay away from other worriers or people who feed your fears.  Secondly, be aware of the fact that your worrying can impact your children and others around you.  Don’t spread your worrying.

Finally, as with everything, relax, breathe, take time to let things go and focus on the good, hug your kids, spend time with your lover, surround yourself with positive helpful people and have a happy day my friends ~ Rev Kane

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