Work, kids, family, finances, relationships, debts, diets, the future "¦ life brings a whole host of things to constantly worry and fuss about. But the thing about worry is that it doesn't fix anything; it's a useless emotion. Worrying consumes your time and thoughts, distracting you from enjoying what's happening right now. The minute you stop borrowing troubles from tomorrow, your life will be simpler, more full and happier. Test it out by not worrying anymore about these 17 things:
Mis-texts
So you accidentally texted your mom that little text meant for your special someone. Yikes. A quick, "Sorry! that was a complete accident" is really the only thing you can do; and losing sleep isn't going to erase that message.
Dinner disasters
For the indecisive, choosing what to eat, where to eat, or when to go out to dinner can provide hours of worry — but it doesn't have to. You'll eat dinner again, I promise. Adopt a carefree attitude when it comes to making minor life decisions (like what to order) and enjoy being much happier around mealtimes.
Not having the newest phone
It's a silly thing to be worried about. Why does it matter if you have the newest, slimmest, ridiculously expensive gadget?
Forgetting a name
Yes, there might be an exact number of times you can ask someone's name before it's considered rude, but an honest, well-placed "I am sorry, but your name has completely slipped my mind" should swap out the needless worry and embarrassment of forgetting a name.
Opinions
Worrying about what the other carpool moms think of you is like living back in middle school, which is a terrible way to live now. Why should someone's opinion of you dictate how you decide to act or what you say? You are you for a reason; love yourself and don't worry about what others think about you.
How your relationship is going
If your heart is tied up into a worried mess of butterflies, let 'em go. Constant worry about what is going on in your relationship doesn't solve a thing. Relationships are built on strong communication, not constant worry. Channel your anxious worry into concrete conversations if you are feeling worried about your relationship.
Purchases
Not quite sure what exact shade of lipstick to pick and end up spending your entire afternoon in the same store, fidgeting and jumping between decisions? Quit it. It's a simple choice that isn't going to alter your destiny. Yes, you might not love your decision, but learning to live with your choice is an important life lesson. If you are anxious over a bigger life purchase, adopt a pros and cons list to aid in the decision making.
Your looks
Well yes, it's great to know you nailed the whole hair and makeup thing for today, but don't fuss about the other days when you haven't. Seriously, no one notices like you do. You are the only one concerned that your shirt may have been the one you wore yesterday and that there is most definitely a stain on the left side.
Impressions
Meeting someone for the first time can be a point of stress and worry. While it's true you only get one chance at a first impression, you can change how you feel about the whole encounter. Endlessly running over your mistakes in your mind doesn't change anything.
Being late
If you didn't know, worry does not clear up traffic, does not eliminate poor weather, and does not make time run a tad bit slower. Be a grownup and own up to your tardiness, but don't spend your valuable time fussing about something out of your control.
Life's mishaps
I've never read anything that mentions "worry" as a full-proof stain remover. It might not come out of the carpet, but it will make a great story for years to come.
Finances
Stressing over your finances can be consuming, and isn't easily dismissed. But worrying will not change your situation. Spend your energy looking for alternative jobs, better saving habits, or asking for help instead of worrying. Do all you can, and let it be.
Hours spent
It's probably true that your 23 1/2 hours of Netflix watching last week could have been more productively spent, but worrying about it doesn't give you those hours back. Pledge to binge-watch your favorite season while doing some spring cleaning or finally organizing your email inbox and move on.
Awkward moments
I can promise that no one is worrying about the exact details of your life, because everyone is already too busy worry about their own. By that sound logic, no one is lingering on that awkward minute of silence that happened after you told a joke at work.
Your favorite team
It really is just a game, no matter how much it feels like more than that. Enjoy the competition and entertainment, and then be willing to let the losses go.
"What ifs"
Playing the "what if" game is a dangerous pastime. A couple web searches revealed that 85 percent of what we worry about never actually happens. By that logic, you should be able to decrease your worry and only be concerned with 15 percent of what you normally fuss about. Don't waste your time needlessly playing out "what if" scenarios.
The state of things
Worrying won't help the refugees in Syria, won't get shoes to children in Uganda and won't help the struggling youth in your own neighborhood. Use the time you spend worrying to instead help raise awareness, volunteer or donate.
You might need some help along the way to let go of your worries - which is perfectly OK. Make time to exercise (try Yoga for breathing and meditation), call a friend and vent for a while, or write in a worry journal to help your mind let go. Do whatever works to eliminate a little more worry in your life to make room for a little more living.
