Reader's Question: Why worry?

Hello Domonique, In your book, you touch on the topic of worry. You advise that there is no point to it at all. I was wondering if maybe you could expand on this concept. This would be so helpful. Erica :D

Hi Erica, The thing with worrying is that it doesn't achieve anything. When we worry, our thoughts, just like our stomachs churn round and round without every achieving a resolution.

There are two types of occurrences in life. Those we can control or at least have influence over and those we don't. If something is concerning you, ask yourself what can I do about this. If there is some action you can take, then take it! If the situation is truly beyond your control then you need to learn to accept this. Whist that might not be a pleasant alternative. Worrying won't guarantee a positive outcome either.

Instead of putting your energy into worrying, develop a 'positive expectancy' about your life. This doesn't mean that negative things will never happen, it just means that your energy and attention will be focussed on the assumption that most of the time, things will turn out just fine :-)

I'll leave you with these lyrics from the Baz Luhrmann song 'Sunscreen'

"Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blind side you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday."