Worrying

There’s a Bible verse that says, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Luke 12:25). I read it this morning, and for some reason, it really resonated with me. I’m an avid worrier and at this point, I’m diagnosing myself with chronic worry syndrome. One of my goals for year 27 is to worry less, and I’m not going to lie, it feels like I’m actually doing that. It’s only been three weeks since I set that goal for myself, and I’m trying my best to stick with it. My inner monologue sends me constant reminders that I don’t have to worry about things at that exact moment, especially if it isn't important right now.

I also try to get myself to do breathing exercises. I’m not sure why I was so against them in the past. For some reason, they made me feel wimpy or maybe it was the fact that doing them forced me to face the reality that I was actually anxious about something and needed to calm down (a fact I usually try not to acknowledge).

Anyway, back to the verse: I’m not sure why it resonated so deeply with me today. I’ve read it several times and even wrote it down in one of my old journals. My best guess is that I’m finally starting to believe that worry won’t add anything to my life. While it may feel like it’s "helping," it really isn’t. Worrying doesn't take away problems either; it’s not going to make the day go faster, and it’s not going to solve anything. I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that the only things worrying will actually give me are a headache and high blood pressure.

Here’s to a life free of anxiety and worry! ;)

—Arami