This is the single most troublesome habit most people have, me included! Have you asked your self: Is worry helping, changing or improving the situation? Is it helping me mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually? The answer to both questions is No! So why do we spend some much of our precious time worrying or trying distract from these thoughts. There are many distractions to get temporary relief like using Alcohol, drugs and various other things which we can all add to the list…and there is a long list of things most will do for some relief of this mind set but few are truly helping us address the core issue…we need to find a new way to think and cope!
Did you know that worry most often equals fear of something which adds to the destructive nature of worry! Here is what I have found to be most effective for positive long term change. A 10 point break down on how to break the worry habit. It starts with the consideration of this scripture verse: (note: whether you are a Christian or not much of this can help you so please read on)
” I sought the Lord and He answered me: He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant: their faces are never covered with shame” Psalm 34: 4-5
Here is the 10 point count down:
- Separate toxic worry from genuine concern: Determine if you can do anything about the situation. If so, create a plan to handle it. (Proverbs 16:3)
- Don’t worry alone: Share your concerns with a friend, counselor or Life Coach. You may receive helpful feedback.
- Talking your worry and fears out with someone often reveals solutions that were invisible to you before. (Proverbs 27:9)
- Do what is right: A guilty conscience can cause more anxiety than a world of problems. Do your best to live in a true and honest way. Take care of mistakes quickly by confessing or making amends and seeking forgiveness from others and forgive yourself as we are all learning as we go through our life. (Acts 24:16)
- Look on the bright side: Consciously focus on the good that is around you. Don’t speak negatively , even about yourself. (Ephesians 4:29)
- Control your imagination: Be realistic about the problems. Try to let the past and the “coulda, woulda, shoulda”s” go. Live in the here and now and set new goals or come up with a plan to move forward. (Isaiah 35:3-4)
- Prepare for the unexpected: Put aside cash reserves and take sensible measures so you will be ready if difficulties arise. (Proverbs 21:20)
- Trust God: Keep reminding yourself to put God in your equation. Then, when worry and fear knocks you can send faith to answer the door as worry ends where faith begins. (Psalm 112:7)
- Mediate on God’s Promises: Scripture has the power to transform our minds. Look for scripture that deal with your particular areas of anxiety, worry and fear. Answer life’s difficulties with God’s (how to deal) Word’s on these subjects. (2 Peter 1:4)
- The number one way to break the worry habit is Pray! ( Colossians (4:2)
“oh, what a peace we often forfeit, oh, what needles of pain we bear…All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer” by Joseph M. Scriven
If you would like to read more on this subject you may want to get: Letting Go of Worry by Dr. Linda Mintle
This is the first day of the rest of your life and you can start right now to choose a better self and a great life!
