Worrying is always a waste of time

Most people worry, but some go over the top.  I used to be one of them.  I used to worry I would get cancer, get AIDS, get a girl pregnant, end up in jail, that my friends dis-liked me, death, etc...  Usually, we worry about things that have already happened.  I would argue that this is a complete waste of time.

Let's talk about death among the whole slew of things people worry about.  This is pretty common among the people I have talked to, and it is also the worry I see as the biggest waste of time.  You are going to die.  We are all going to die.  You cannot change this so it is completely pointless to worry about it.  It may seem that worrying about death will eventually get you to an answer, or convince yourself to accept it.

Worry will not help you accept death.  Accepting death will help you accept death.  Maybe my experiences are unique, but I tend to believe they aren't.  Did your grandparents die? Did they go out screaming in terror their last week or so?  Or, did they tell you or imply that they were ready? Everyone I have seen die from sickness or age accepted that they were going to die and even told me they were ready. 

Sure, I had friends die in car accidents and overdoses.  That was instant and those people most likely didn't worry about death.  If you are afraid of dying from a car accident or overdose, don't do drugs or drive drunk or like a prick.  Again though, people spend more time worrying about what they can not control.  People who worry about things they can control will eventually fix the problem.  Those who don't may want to see a shrink.

It isn't easy for everyone to just change and I'm not saying that.  Next time you start to worry about something you can't control, stop yourself, take a breath, and tell yourself it is not under your control and you don't need to worry about it.  Tell yourself you may as well enjoy your time than worry about it.

If you are worrying about something you can control, again stop yourself.  This time, come up with a good, easy plan to solve your problem.  Even coming up with a plan will make you feel much better.  Take small steps, execute your plan, and never worry about it again.

I had anxiety bad.  I use these exercises and they have really helped.  Hopefully they help you too.



*Most of the inspiration behind this post goes to my shrink.