Some thoughts and discussions from me.
“You Never Worry About Anything!”
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 
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.
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….
Are you a worrier? What are some ways you make yourself worry less?
I am the queen of the worriers, so thank you for the reminder! When I get worried, I try to find something I can take action on. If there isn’t anything, there is no use in worrying. Notice, the operative word is try. 🙂
Amy recently posted…Solving Mysterious Symptoms
I don’t worry about a whole heck of a lot… every so often it sneaks its head in but most of the time I keep myself relaxed. I’ve come to learn that things will work themselves out- even if it isn’t right away. Great tips Paige!
Cori @ olivetorun.com recently posted…National Running Day: June 4, 2014
I used to worry so much more than I do now. Surprisingly, having a child helped me to worry less which I think is the opposite for a lot of people. I find myself being a much more relaxed parent than I thought I was going to be which is a good thing!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome recently posted…May in Review
I need you to teach me to not worry!!!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…MIMM: Why I Get Nothing Accomplished
Yes, I am indeed a worrier! It’s something I’m continually working on. I go in phases where I think I’m doing better with it, and then I have to reign myself back in and remind myself to chill out. Thanks for this reminder. A few things I do to help me worry/stress less: 1) Dive into my devotions/prayer (I notice I worry MORE when I’m not spending as much time with God); 2) Make a list; 3) Be positive and look at the bright side; 4) And also like you said – talk myself out of worry. I’m at a point now where I feel like I know myself well enough to know when my worrying/stress has spun out of control, and I’m able to give myself a reality check and realize what I need to do to get back under control.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…Home Tour
Thank you for this great post!! I am a worrier by nature but I too believe things happen for a reason…We have a lot of change coming up in the next few weeks and I’m going to use this post to help me focus on the positive : ) Thank you, thank you!! By the way, I’m a fellow Illinois girl that followed her gut (and her husband ; ) ) and now live by the beach where we belong : )
I need to use these tips…I waste too much time worrying!
Jackie recently posted…Weekly meal plan!
Ha, am I worrier? Back when I had a heck of alot more to worry about, I didnt give a care in the world. Now that I have all that I ever wanted, I worry, worry, worry. I actually worry more for others. I am always trying to ‘fix’ everyone’s problems, or find a solution for them. I really need to zone in on MY goals and wants and I am sure I wont have the time to worry about others so much!
I am a total worrier – and recently started going to therapy because I don’t want it to affect my life and want ways to manage it – thank you for these tips and tricks! You’re very right in all of them, especially #3.
Katie@LifesNextBigStep recently posted…Clean Eating Challenge – Recap
I am a worry, but because I know that about myself I try to nip it when and where I can. Talking myself out of worrying is a big one for me as well. I know I have that tendency so when I feel it starting to happen, I give myself a very firm and frank “talking-to”. Most of the time it helps!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…What’s Your Favorite?
I love this post! I am absolutely a worrier…I have a Type A personality and I’ve had issues with anxiety in the past. It’s something that I’ve been consciously working on for ages. Interestingly enough, I’ve been doing a lot more yoga in the last six months and I’ve noticed that my stress levels have gone down – I feel a lot calmer and more peaceful as a person. Definitely agree with all your tips!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…Weekend Recap: Sushi, Surprises and Sunshine.
First, most women worry way more than guys, so accept that we are gonna worry a lot. Next, even though he was a guy, Mark Twain even said, “I’ve lived through some terrible experiences, some of which really happened.” Thus, remind yourself of this when you start worrying about something that might or might not happen. Enjoy the good days, and try to deal with the bad things that really happen. And, talk (unload) to a good friend about your worries, preferably another woman:-)
Despite my very type A tendencies, I find worrying to be a wasted emotion, especially over things you can’t control. I actually get frustrated when others are harping on and losing sleep over things outside their realm, so I’ve had to learn how to distance myself from that so it doesn’t bother me. I’m also a fan of the out of sight, out of mind philosophy so if something really worrisome is happening, I pretend it doesn’t exist, which while definitely not therapist recommended, works for me.