Entry #27: Why Worrying Is Useless

What do you worry about? Is it your kids, your career, your spouse or extended family just to name a few?  Imagine what freedom you could have if you lived each day without worrying? Right now, find a place to sit. Drop your shoulders and get in a relaxed seated position. I want you to imagine if you could let all your angst go and just live for today. I bet without realizing it, you just took a deep breath. The relaxed state is how we are to live. It’s not in fight or flight. I will never forget going to the ER in my 20s not knowing how severe my bipolar was. The psychiatrist on call said, “Stephanie, you live your life like a bear is always chasing you. Our bodies aren’t meant to handle that level of adrenaline.” I developed very painful acid reflux that I still receive treatment for today. If you don’t take care of your body due to what’s happened to you, your body will let you know that it’s time to take care of business.

What is the most important moment that you will ever experience? Answer: RIGHT NOW! The past is gone. You can’t get it back. Also, trying to figure out what might happen in your future will drive anyone crazy. I just turned 51 years old. I come from a family of worriers. I have watched how it gave them hives to a heart attack. In my beliefs there is a Bible verse that says, “Why worry about tomorrow for today has enough troubles of its own.” Instead of thinking how bad life might be, why not focus on how great it can be in the now? 

What is the root of your worry? Worrying gives us a false sense of control. If I don’t stay calm, I will spin mentally with all the, “What ifs?” If you have past trauma of ANY kind, seek out a good therapist who comes highly recommended to help you get free from what you have stuffed down deep inside for years. 

 

Stephanie Preston creates powerful, humorous videos on managing bipolar disorder symptoms. She is a Social Service Worker, Health Care Aide and suffers from severe bipolar depression herself. She is the proud wife of St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston, loves being a grandma and is Crossfit obsessed. Follow her at www.tiktok.com/@bipolaronthebrain and www.facebook.com/bipolaronthebrain.