It’s been said that 90% of what we worry about never happens. And it’s true, I’ve breathed many, many sighs of relief. Yet when we’re caught up in the in “Oh Thank God” when the outcome goes in our favor, do we really think back on how much we fretted over it? How much of the worry actually materialized and how much of it turns out to be a non-issue yet we worried anyway?
There is a process called the Book of Positive Aspects from Abraham Hicks where you brainstorm and list all the positive qualities about a certain undesirable situation, in efforts to focus on the positive. Today, upon dealing with a few things going on at work, it occurred to me to start of Book of Expectations, where I would list situations that create anxiety of any level, and to then record the outcome. What happened in the end? Did it turn out as bad as I feared? Or was it again something I worried about for nothing? Could I use this to somehow break the pattern? How I wish I could put things out of my mind. Worrying does nothing but rob the present of your joy. Oh, how it does.
It starts tonight. I have a rough week ahead (in my opinion), we’ll see when the weekend rolls around if it was worth the sleep I’ll lose over the next few days.
Any reformed worriers out there? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
I’ve never heard of this book before but I really like the idea of listing all the positive qualities of a situation that you’re worried about. I should definitely give this a go! I bet it really does help with anxiety. Thanks for sharing Kathleen!
Hi Kathleen!
You nailed it! My worry spins out of control sometimes and I know better but do it anyway. I’m going to try the “book of positive expectations.” Thanks for this post. I feel validated in my worry and less worried.;-)
Thanks so much for reading! I hope it helps and inspires.. Today I have my first success story for my log. I was very nervous about a conference call reviewing my contributions to a project – today proved that all is well.
Kathleen … As a cancer survivor, in life, I’ve learned to say, yup that might happen but I will worry about it when I get to that bridge, if I get there and for now I think won’t – so that worry can wait! At work I give ‘er my all, all day long but at night I remember … this is my job, not my life. If they want more than my 110% it isn’t going to happen so it’s their worry. As a rider, a little worry is a good thing. When you become complacent you loose your edge, you become careless. Thinking I could die is what keeps me alive. That’s good worry! But when it comes to worrying about my children … well, that’s a whole other ball game, now I understand my mother … that worry never ends, but no worries – that’s what Moms are for.
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I love it. Thank for the reminder that there are different kinds of worry! The kind that will not ever go away, as with parenthood. And when partaking in a sport when a bit of worry will keep you safer. As always, so happy to have you as a reader!