Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.
Swedish Proverb
We should aim for every day, but we’ll start slow.
Why do many people worry so much? Surprisingly, with such an advanced society we live in today, more people seem to struggle with inner thoughts of negative thinking and battling with anxiety day by day.
We don’t have to struggle with the many hardships of our previous generations. Dying in warfare (men) or in childbirth (women) has drastically declined. Living past the age of 50 is more than reachable. Going to bed in pure hunger is almost unheard of. Water systems, transportation, medical discoveries, and technology have helped advance humanity. It also contributed to reducing human suffering, time wasted and overall brought more convenience to man’s living standards. Thank a capitalist 🙂
Are we just a bunch of complainers? Or is there a real justifiable reason to worry? Sure there is the daily stress of “how am I going to pay rent this month?” Or “One more write up at work, and I’m out in the streets!”
But these common inconveniences in life can be found in almost all persons. My goal is to show you how some refuse to let these worries take over their lives while offering you ways to eliminate unnecessary negative thinking.
There is a great difference between worry and concern. A worried person sees a problem, and a concerned person solves a problem.
Harold Stephen
Ever met a person who complained so much that it ruined a possible great time? A dark cloud just hovering over you. It’s as if they aren’t satisfied unless everyone is in a bad mood. The kicker here? Most of them play victim after being the prime mover behind the scenes.
I heard of a man named “Joe” who used to come into work very angry in the morning. He complained and moaned about everything: his disastrous wake from sleep. A stale breakfast. A horrible commute to work. His workaholic wife. But when Joe drank his morning Joe (lol), he became a much kinder man.
It’s too late. The damage is done, and the atmosphere is set. His misery worked like a poisonous agent into the air and destroyed his coworkers’ mood. Joe turns around and boldly wonders “what is wrong with these people?”
Don’t be a Joe. It is evil and selfish.
Or how about the “realistic” (negative) thinker? This person always has a complaint but no insurance. In other words, they offer no help in case their bright (negative) idea happens. Yes, we understand an outdoor wedding might be subject to get rained on. Or it might be hot that day with bugs. However, we already have a ‘Plan B’ venue in case it does. Thank you for your “concern” Aunt Sally. (Aunt Sally never did offer a solution or even help with the wedding planning. She is only being realistic, or should I say, bringing in stress.)
The people who generally overstress about issues that they cannot change, and the problems that they CAN change- they still worry about, are difficult to come to terms with. It seems at this point they enjoy the stress.
If you admittedly do enjoy the stress because it offers some type of “adventure” for you, then carry on. For those who acknowledge this as a hurdle (negative thinking) to enjoying life, and seek to make changes to shift in the right direction, here are some tools you should bring with you:
- Negative thinking is common, in fact it is normal
You’ll be surprised how much we all have in common. But what separates us is how we respond to life crises. What I observed is, those who stress more about a problem (or worst- a potential problem) always seem to attract negative things to them. The more “unlucky” they see themselves, the more unfortunate events will come.
The universe is designed to “drag us down.” Anything that is built, maintain and lasting requires energy. This means one must be “unnatural”- go against the world, to be happy! Life can be depressing. But did you know there is a command from the Lord to be happy? Yes, there is. And if there is a command to do so, it just further explains that the order didn’t come naturally to us humans. We had to be instructed.
And you and the Levites and the aliens amoung you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.
Deuteronomy 26:11
When you’re being pulled by negative forces, (a person or simply your thoughts), it is to your natural default. The point of this is to build character when you’re striving for good. Nothing in this world is free.
- What to avoid when seeking peace
Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you.
Deuteronomy 28:47-48
Does watching a comedy or any other form of entertainment seem to work? Perhaps temporarily but it isn’t the antidote for the worrisome. How about an online vent? You know, letting the world know that you’re in distress? Nope. Most don’t care about your problems and the few who do are glad you have them. Surely, therapy or a mind doctor will do the trick?
Yes. A 24-year-old college graduate with no life experience, parties on the weekend while finding herself and then goes home to a cat will get you through any of your life problems. How about the good ol’ bottle to relieve your worries? Alcohol is another temporary fix yet feels needed at the moment to relax those inner thoughts. It’s no wonder in Latin, alcohol is commonly known as Spirits— because it is your spirit that seems to be thirsty.
Well, I have the quenching tools for you.
I don’t subscribe to any of this. And if you want to become more at peace with yourself, I will offer you unheard, unpopular yet workable outlets that I personally follow.
To recap, avoid:
Amusement, entertainment, therapy, buyers’ remorse, gossip, people with different lifestyles/goals, medications, alcohol and of course- drugs and promiscuous sex. These common “solutions” won’t fix your anxiety, instead, it might even be counterproductive.
Most likely you tried all these “expert outlets.” I’m shocked, absolutely bewildered these mainstream methods to peace didn’t help!
Ready to try something new?
- What to do to free your mind
It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Life will never disappoint us: there are challenges for everyone. If you’re willing to put an end, or at the very least, curb on this ‘end of the world’ thinking (which leads to behavior) for you can enjoy life’s blessings, try these simple tasks I do religiously. Build a structure. Make it into a routine.
Prayer- a private conversation with the creator of the universe. No evil thoughts. No judgment. Just a God who loves you and is there for you.
Make your bed- this will bring a sense of accomplishment to start the day, and to come home to a clean bed.. who can complain about that?
Eating a healthy balanced diet- you are what you eat! This can be fun as you start to create and commit to a new eating routine. Rid the junk and replace it with fresh foods. You will be amazed by how this affects your thinking… positively of course.
Wash your face twice a day and keep yourself well-groomed- again, another step towards a better you with better thoughts ahead. Hello handsome!
Exercise- this is super important. Not only for your physical health but for your mental. Find a gym and commit at least 3 days a week in there. Don’t make outrageous commitments. Start small. Your thoughts will turn from darkness to hopeful after every great workout.
Read and write- daily. This is your private vent. Your creativity. Your time to listen (when you read, you’re listening) and try to write down 3 goals for your day. When you accomplish it, you’ll feel much better about yourself. Another activity to look forward to: write down 5 tally marks in your daily entry. Each to represent something kind you did or said to someone that day.
Work- to avoid feeling useless and hopeless, what better outlet is there to get a job? Someone to pay you for your service. Unhappy or underpaid currently? Get a new job baby! This is the free market. No chains to bind you. You are free to move. Apply. Apply. Reply. (Denied.) Apply. Reply. Accept!
Speak when you need to- a time to speak, a time to zip it! When you do speak, it is almost like a published work. You cannot take it back fully if you misspoke. So be careful and mindful. Try to also speak with an “inside voice” when communicating. Expand your vocabulary. (You have been reading, haven’t you?) You expand on this, your thoughts will run wild.
People- surround yourself with loving people. People with similar goals and lifestyles. Family is also very important. Even if you have just one person. Love that person, service, use kinder words and watch your life become happier.
What are you waiting for? Peaceful thoughts await!
