“What If” Fear
Do you find yourself thinking about the “what ifs” of life? What if the economy fails and I lose my job? What if I experience a tragedy in my life? What If she doesn’t love me? What if he leaves me? What if my children… (fill in the blank)? What if I can’t? What if I fail? What if things change? What if I get hurt?
The list of what ifs is endless.
I have found that generally focusing on the what ifs of life is pretty much useless. In fact, thinking about the uncertainties of life is a sure recipe for increased anxiety and maybe even depression. This kind of thinking steals our peace and happiness and replaces them with fear and frustration.
The good news is that we have a choice when it comes to our thoughts. While I cannot stop a thought from coming into my head, I do not have to allow that thought to dominate my thinking. Someone once told me, “You can’t stop a bird from flying over your head but you can stop him from building a nest there.”
I am going to focus on the things that I can control instead of those I cannot. I can control how I respond to my loved ones. I can choose to focus on giving to others, being kind and showing authentic care. I can work to grow my ability to connect with others. I can develop discipline where I need it and allow myself to loosen up a bit where I need to.
There are so many things I can think about and accomplish when I don’t allow the fear monger of “what if” to dominate my life. When we choose to stop trying to control things that are out of our control, we will make a difference!
Larry
Check out our latest episode on the Crossing the Line Podcast:
Actions Speak, with Dr. Nick Gillespie
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