This thing called worry

January 21, 2014 What is this thing called Worry? It comes and goes as it pleases, uninvited as usual, dressed in that dreary black dress, and staying much longer than what is considered polite. All the other thoughts, especially the pleasant ones, seem to not stay long enough, in a hurry it seems to light up another person's heart with joy and enthusiasm. They're like the popular stars of the party, overbooked at three different appearances on the same night and you should feel so lucky that they made time to show up at your party! What if I could find a way to rush Worry out the door and send her on her way with a quick smile and a firm click of the door? I'm sure Worry would hunch up her shoulders and scrunch up her face, ready to throw a tantrum and holler with great resistance! Similar to any child that feels like she isn't being heard or appreciated, perhaps Worry is simply asking for a little bit of acknowledgment. "I'm real. I exist, whether you like me or not!" Ok Worry, I get it. You're as real as Optimism and Hope, Joy and Excitement. In fact, all of you really are the same, ephemeral in nature, visiting for a blip in time. The only HUGE difference is that Optimism, Hope, Joy, and Excitement enjoy being shared and multiplied...the more we share these delightful guests with others, the more often they seem to visit! Worry, on the other hand, gets no enjoyment out of being shared...she just wants to be acknowledged for her very important role. The magic of Worry is that while you can't entertain her for too long without becoming depleted of all your wonderful hostess energy, if you just let her hang out for a few minutes and sit with her as a compassionate observer, then Poof, all of a sudden she's gone! And the party of life goes on...many more thoughts just waiting to be entertained:).