Why Worry?

“If you can do something about it, why worry? If you cannot do anything about it, why worry?” – Unknown

This is one of my favorite expressions, it is succinct and lays out two options: do something or let it be. The third option (to worry) has no place; no utility arises from it other than the opportunity to stop worrying. Though I have memorized this saying, I find myself entrenched in worry from time to time. Some instances happen at work, in personal relationships, or even when considering society at large. Part of me loves to worry, it satisfies my mind in some sense by giving it occupation. If I feed my thought processes by grabbing on to them, I allow the worry to run wild creating problems where there are none.

The consequence of worry is inaction. No solution is made and no steps are taken.

Every problem has a solution, multiple in fact. So in the end is it really a problem, or is it an opportunity for change? Problems give us the opportunity to advance and grow both individually and as a community.

When I worry I use my energy to identify and ruminate on aspects of life that I am at odds with. These become problems and more mental energy is assigned to “deal with them.” Instead of fighting the problem, choose to accept it and take the appropriate action to solve it. Once the problem is identified, move on! Stop the senseless worrying about its existence, there are only two options: act or accept.

If you choose to act, do so with clear intent. Do not act out of spite or to prove yourself right. If you are right, why do you need validation? When you act, make sure you do not harbor selfish or malicious intent.

If you choose to accept, do it wholeheartedly. Stop resisting what is. Resisting reality will only serve to drive you mad. No matter how much you fight and avoid your current situation, it will not change unless you accept it and move on.

Worrying clouds the mind and inhibits our ability to make change. It is a deep conflict with the present and thus inhibits our ability to comprehend the current situation. This clear comprehension is vital for creativity and innovation.