Worry

Worry is a passion which wilts the strongest flower.  Two main categories of worry exist: 

(1)  things that you can do something about, and 

(2)  things that you can do nothing about.  

As for (1), taking some action will reduce the worry; as for (2), why worry about something over which you have no control?  if this seems overly simplified, consider some worthy quotes from a philosopher, a politician, and a psychologist on the subject:

— “What worries you, masters you.”  John Locke, English philosopher (1632—1704)  

The John Locke quote rings true.  Surely, at some time in our lives, we have felt weakened by worry, as by postponing proper action for worry about failure, criticism or ostracism. 

Winston Churchill (1874—1965) , the British Prime Minister during WWI, burdened with much real time worry followed the old proverb:  

— “Action is worry’s worst enemy,” relating:

— “I never worry about action; only inaction.”  

Churchill employed a process for combatting worry:  

— “It helps to write down half a dozen things which worry me.  Two of them, say disappear; about two of them nothing can be done, so it’s no use worrying about them; and two perhaps can be settled.”

An American psychologist, motivation speaker and author, who wrote many self help books, including ‘Your Erroneous Zones”, which sold over 35 million copies, claimed: 

— It makes no sense to worry about things you have no control over because there’s nothing you can do about them, and why worry about things you do not control?  The activity of worrying keeps you immobilized.”  Wayne Dyer (1940—2015)

Worry bogs a person down, bringing fatigue and immobilization.  Three more quotes puts worry in proper perspective:

— Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry . . .”  Dale Carnegie (1888—1955)

— Worry is like a rocking chair: it give you something to do but never gets you anywhere.”  Erma Bombeck, American humorist (1927–1996)

— Rule number one is, don’t sweat the small stuff.  Rule number two is, it’s all small stuff.”  Dr. Robert S. Eliot, cardiologist.

Lastly, when you feel that dark cloud of worry approaching, reach back and sing the number one Billboard Top 100 chart song (1988) recorded by Bobby McFerrin:

— Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”