5 Things Only Worry Warts Understand

5 Things only worry warts understand...

Ever wondered where the term worry wart originated?  Me neither, but if you are curious there a few interesting sites to check out.  I think one was called Word Detective.

On my journey to stop being such a worry wart... this is what I discovered about me that I feel may be universal to worriers.  Thankfully I worry much less than I used to, but it's like an addiction or bad habit... so re-wiring my hard drive has been a fun challenge. 

1.  You overthink everything.  Think, think, worry, worry, think, think, dwell.  Snapping out of it rarely happens quickly.  I would spend more time thinking of what I'm worrying about then getting my butt in gear to just handle it.  Seriously, I would feel better when I would just defeat my giant and get it out of my way.

2.  Because you overthink everything, you can't make a decision
It still takes me forever to decide on what I want to eat a restaurant.  Even ones I go to often and I'm familiar with their menu.  Basically I'm indecisive everywhere... for fear of making a bad decision.

3.  You have trouble dealing with mistakes you make.  If I make an error at work, or forget to email someone back, gosh, I  will feel bad about it for days.  Sometimes if a reminder pops back up, It'll remind me that I still feel badly about it, even though I have since accepted responsibility for the mistake and corrected it.

4.  You process situations way too far into the future and have a hard time backtracking to reality, thus causing great anxiety.  This almost explains itself, but about 4 years ago I had a mammogram scheduled and before they let me leave, they took me to a consultation room.  While the doctor was talking to me and explaining what my next steps were, I had already processed that my re-marriage wouldn't happen, I needed to make sure my will was updated, etc.  Then I found myself in the reality of surgery a few weeks later and on my way to being discharged back to annual mammograms rather than every 6 months.  What happened during that break in time that I had worried myself?  I lost a few weeks of my life, worrying about things I couldn't control anyway.

5.  You drive your spouse crazy unintentionally.
My husband is concerned to tell me things because he knows I'll find some way to worry about it.

I must admit, that I have gotten better, I think my husband will agree.  I'm determined to not make this a life long struggle and keep missing out on life because I worry so much.

Coping:  It's been hard, but I have noticed that I will start to worry and the dwelling and processing is much better.  I don't stay in Worryland as long as I used to.  I am training myself to go to the Lord as soon as possible.  This has helped tremendously.  My prayer is for the Lord to help me recognize, as soon as possible, when I am heading to Worryland and to help me seek Him in that dark place and put my trust back in Him, not my circumstances.

Additional Coping:  Sitting and staring at something beautiful is a huge way for me to relax! Listening to music helps me wind down and recharge in a healthy way too.

My Sanctuary (the view from my back deck), when I need to sit and stare!

My parents may have wired us kids to be worry warts, but I'm in the process of rewiring and rebooting my hard drive.  God has been faithful to be with me, even though I'm annoying.  He's also blessed me with a husband who is gentle with me as he understands this is all deep rooted in fear. His gentleness and understanding is helping me be more courageous.

Do you struggle with worry?  I'm so sorry if you do.  What are some ways you cope?  Do you ever feel like you are the only person that really worries this much?

Sleepless in North Georgia

Can you relate?

Actually, I'm sleepless, often, no matter what my location.  Websters full definition of Insomnia is: "prolonged and usually abnormal inability to get enough sleep."

Well, in an overstimulated world, our minds have a hard time shutting down.  We experience "too many moving parts" in traffic, at the office, at the store, in a meeting, in the classroom, from our electronic devices, etc.  No wonder it's hard to wind down in the first place.  Then because of all of these "moving parts", our minds continue to work overtime.

How many times do you actually sleep deeply, only to dream that you are working!!!  Ugh, then you are tired from working in your sleep.  Ha ha!

Oh well.  To my fellow daydreamers and night thinkers, I know how difficult it is to shut down, wind down, and just make the world stop long enough for a few zzzzz's.  I am tired of being tired, so I feel ya!

I've really tried to re-train my brain from being a night thinker (worrier) into a night prayer.  When I can actually commit to this, I pray for many and do fall asleep most of the time. Other times, I guess the Lord just wants me praying.

My wind down helps (for me)

• Get off electronics as much as possible.  Especially for at least an hour or so before going to bed.  Resist the urge to check social media.
• no caffeine after 4pm (sometimes I need a green tea to make sure I'm not sleepy on my commute home)
• make sure I take my vitamins, especially my B vitamins, before 2pm.
• make sure I've talked with honey (my safe place) about the stresses and victories of my day
• before bed, I get the coffee pot ready, the vitamins packaged, and as much of our breakfasts and lunches packed for the next day.
• snuggle with honey for at least an hour before bed. 

What are your techniques for shutting down?  I'd love to hear from you.  Some of us may benefit from your experience.  

Good night and may your sleep be peaceful and deep.

Positive Thinking

I'm not generally a negative person, but I worry a lot!  Maybe that does make me negative... =(

This morning, while driving into work, I caught myself worrying about my busy day at work and really dreading going in more than normal.  As I caught myself, I tried to consciously change that thought to... "it will be fine, just relax, enjoy your day, life is good, and for goodness sake... PRAY ABOUT IT instead of worrying and dreading it.  So.... here I am, smiling.  We've got one chance to enjoy this life.  I'm wasting it with worry about the future, our finances, my weight and health, work, the drive, our kids, etc.  

Sigh... this is going to be hard, but I really, really want to change my thought patterns and be healed of this fear and worry for good!  

God is sovereign!

I pray that you have a wonderful day.  If you struggle with worry, fear and anxiety, I feel you.  I'm praying for you too.  

Live Each Moment Like Your Last

What if tomorrow is too late?

Why do we get so caught up in our fears and worry, that we just can't live each moment to the fullest?  Everyone in our lives has been placed there for a purpose.  God has gone before us and prepared the way.  Regardless of how they treat us, love us, don't love us, ignore us, spend time with us... they are all created by God, living their own purpose and helping us learn and become stronger to live out or destinies. 


Life really is too short.  Go for it.  If God is in it, no one can stop it.

Tomorrow may be too late.

another sleepless night

Well, here I am... awake again in the middle of the night.  It is time to pray.  Prayer is needed for many things all of the time, but I am needing some very specific direction for both Kelly and me.  I have asked others to pray for me on this, but have realized that I need to sit, be still, know.  

My head gets so noisy with the worries and distractions.  What if I hurt someone's feelings?  What if we make the wrong decisions?  Why are people so hurtful?  Why are we taken for granted?  Are my concerns valid or just part of this weird cycle of grief I am finally acknowledging?

I have basically stopped eating this week.  I haven't chosen to fast.  I just don't want to eat.  Maybe this is why I wake up with a headache around 2:30 am.   

I want to be excited about some possible changes in our lives, but fear and worry always send me back.  I am just done with certain things I see going on.  I don't understand recent things that have happened, and I don't think I ever will.  I am not motivated to help out like I used to because I feel so taken advantage of.  I am in over my head and very angry.  

But, I am a change is good person.  Change can be good for Kelly and it could be done for me.  I want to give in to the smiles I have had recently and admit these are butterflies, but again, fear is holding me back.  

Right now, I choose to give in to God's grace and leading.  I choose to get on my face before Him and openly share my heart and not just be silent because He already knows my heart.  I choose to be ready and available for the new paths that He will take Kelly and me on and I am ready to be excited and not scared.  I choose to embrace this life for the first time!

Clearing My Head

It is freezing outside.  I really don't like the cold.  Extreme temperatures bother me period!  I would love to just get in the car right now and drive... It would help clear my head.  I tried earlier while walking the dog, but it was too cold and all I could think of was getting back in the warm house. 

I am waiting on Kelly right now too.  Don't know if I am picking her up or her friend's parents are bringing her home.  I really need to clear my head.  It is a jumbled up mess with so much going on right now.  Mom's chronic illness, her being sick right now on top of that.  I can't hook up with one of my best friends.  Our schedules are not meshing right now.  Upcoming deadlines with the dance company and getting back into Kelly's routine.  Is God trying to tell me something?  I feel God is trying to tell me many things right now, but my head isn't clear enough to understand.

My prayer tonight... Dear gracious Father, help me to put aside all of this mental and emotional clutter so I can hear You.  Only you, I am done with the lies of the enemy either in my head or through the mouths and actions of those around me.  I need you Daddy God.  Clear the distractions so my focus is where it should be, on YOU!  Help me to finish grieving my many losses and to finally get the tears out.  Holy Spirit, fill the holes in my spirit so I can give myself totally, and completely to the Lord.  I am ready to hear YOU!  I ask this in the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen!