Why Worry?

Worrying is a useless habit. It does more harm than good and is a waste of time and emotion. It makes one anxious, impatient and exhausted. It annoys other people. Worrying is a learned behavior and as such, can be unlearned.

The worry habit has its basis in tension, stress or abuse. In response, one learns to be on the lookout for the next problem. Worriers think they are protecting themselves and others from danger: the more I worry, the safer I will be. Of course, this is completely false.

A worrisome thought is a warning signal that may be appropriately alerting you to danger. Rather than escalate your concern, examine the thought. What are you really worried about? Is it something in your control? If in your control, what is the worst thing that could happen? Is it likely and probable? Is there an action that you can take to resolve your worrying? If not in your control, do I gain anything by worrying about it?

You are not making anyone else happier by worrying about them; indeed worry makes you unhappy. Unrealistic fears lead to bad decisions.

Worry is a choice and a habit. Bad habits are not easy to change; the first step is recognition.

Mark Twain: ‘I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.’