I used to be......but as I have gotten older and life has dealt me a few blows......I don't fret over things nearly as much.
There was a time in my life when I was constantly worrying about this or that.....what will be the outcome of this certain thing....how can I fix this problem......will he/she be o.k......you get the picture. I was such a worrier, in fact, that a very dear friend of mine gave me the above gift. WORRY BEADS......VERY BIG WORRY BEADS!
I was on a trip traveling through Greece with her and some other friends. If you have ever seen photos of Greece or the people of Greece, they are often seen fingering these beads through their fingers...pretty much all the time. So....this friend, who knew of my propensity for worry, decided to buy me the biggest set of WORRY BEADS she could find.
These beads are around an inch or so long and made out of some kind of recycled glass....they are actually quite heavy.
She found them in Patras, Greece....it is a small port and we had gone there for breakfast early one morning. Each time I look at these....I think of her and laugh. It was such an appropriate gift at the time.
Since I have matured....and life has happened along the way....things don't seem to bother me in quite the same way.
Of course, I have done a lot of reading on spirituality and meditation and have been somewhat a follower of the Buddhist nature. Which brings me to this conclusion......I believe control is an illusion.....the ONLY thing you have complete control over is your mind. Everything around you is changing ALL THE TIME....your skin is shedding, your hair is falling out, your cells are getting older.....along with everyone else.....for that matter. Life changing events happen all the time....which are TOTALLY beyond anyone's control.
So excessive worrying won't change one thing.......and the ONLY way to change one's circumstance is to see it through new eyes and be as proactive as one can.
Please remember this: "The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by changing his attitude." To which I would add....and his thoughts!
The above quote was by Oprah....and it has certainly served her well.
Let's all stay worry free my friends,
Jo
Even though I've gotten older and hopefully wiser, I am still a worrier. Guess it's just part of my nature and I'm trying to learn to live with it and not let it control my life. Most of the time I do pretty good but once in awhile I fall apart. But not for long and then I'm okay again. I realize it doesn't do any good to worry - that I truly cannot change the outcome after I've done all I can to prepare. Now just to convince the other part of my brain.
ReplyDeleteAs a former worrier who indulged from time to time, I am happy to say that I no longer do that. Life has taught me so much and worry seems to have flown out the window. I agree -- there's not much we "can" control when life takes us for a spin, but we can control how we think and how we feel about something. How kind of your friend to provide you with the worry beads when you really needed them...and how they provide a reminder of who you used to be and what a wonderful friend you have.
ReplyDeleteI once was a big worrier. I'd lay awake at night worrying about things I had no control over. I'm not going to lie here and say I no longer worry. The difference today is that I am able to let go of it sooner.
ReplyDeleteMary
Perfect! Just what I needed to hear. I am somewhat a follower of the Buddhist nature too!
ReplyDeleteSo true, your words, and I have loosened my death grip on life, and the outcome. Having lately realized everything has it's own time.
Thank you, for sharing.
I wanted to ask if this is your own painting. It is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI am somewhat of a worrier maybe I need a set of your beads!!
ReplyDeleteSmiles,Dotte
Hello Jo, lovely post... I worry about my family and pets, that will probably never change, but I have learned to let alot of the smaller things go... love your worry beads!... I have worry dolls and beads as well, but have never seen beads like yours... love those!... xoxo Julie Marie
ReplyDeleteDear Jo, worry is a wasted emotion..I know that doesn't add up to a hill of beans when you are a worry wart..my husband is the worst! He worries about things that might happen, or could happen.. I have never been a worrier..I can usually always let most things roll off my back..if I waste my time worrying..what will it change? absolutely nothing.. I am glad you are no longer a worrywart, and spend time allowing us a glimpse into your beautiful window! I have a worry stone my grandson and I found in a creek bed..it is just a pretty rock..but the thumb will fit perfectly into a cradle of the stone. My mother said it was a worry stone, and I should give it to my hubby! Your beads are just beautiful. I am glad they can now serve as a wonderful gift from a friend. xoxo Christel
ReplyDeleteI used to worry constantly but now I feel that there is nothing that God & I can't handle together!!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
It is our thoughts
ReplyDeletethat make the world.
If we can learn to release the negative stories of the past,
we would be much better off.
We are powerless
to change tomorrow.
If we believe we can make today
the best day ever...
we will.
great post
doo, doo, doo, doo, de, doo, doo . . . don't worry, be happy!
ReplyDelete"and which of you by worrying can add a single day to your
life?" luke 12:25
I don't worry so much now but I do dwell. If something happens that doesn't sit right with me or I feel like I didn't handle something very well, I think of all the ways it could have been different and then that sits on my mind sometimes for days. Kinda hard to stop doing that but I pretty much let petty things slide. One of my favorite quotations: "Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere." Hope you are having a great day. Tammy
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post - and - you're so right about everything you said. That is the good thing about getting older - if you learn to apply some spiritual teaching - you KNOW that "this too shall pass" and take it with more ease. I used to worry a lot, and sometimes still do, but also i am more trusting - in life and all it teaches. It helps me to try to be a little more loving every day. And: if life hands you lemons, make a gin and tonic ;)
ReplyDeleteI've mellowed somewhat too! I worry mainly about my son, lucky I only had one child. :) I was given a worry stone years ago. I really love your worry beads though!
ReplyDeleteLots of hugs, Rosemary...
I am also a worrier. So much so that I wrote a book on it to see if doing the research would help. Indeed, it does. But I'm a work-in-progress. Worriers reading this may want to check out my book; I still do. It's called THE WORRYWART'S PRAYER BOOK. It's filled with Scripture, affirmations, anecdotes and prayers to help worrywarts get off the worry-go-round and trust God more. My favorite: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." Psalm 46:1, 2.
ReplyDeleteMy husband also coined a phrase for the book, "Let there be no crisis before its time."
I also have a blog (and I worry that I don't keep it current enough), called THE WORRYWART'S CORNER, which might help worriers. Meantime, remember, God's in charge so give all your worries to Him. He's the only one Who can make any sense of them.
Hell Ms. Grammassouljo...I took a peak at your blog and it is most lovely...I also see that you are a world traveler...which is wonderful...
ReplyDeleteI am creating a prairie blouse using a vintage crochet bodice.
I am using large crochet doilies to make the whole blouse...which is something I haven't done yet...
If you are on Facebook you can check out some other pieces....Prairie Child Design...Have a wonderful day...PC
Sadly, I am a worrier. I know it is a waste of time, but haven't conquered it yet.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your painting!
There's a saying among the Navajo indians that my husband had a workshop with that says worrying causes bad things to happen. So I try really hard not to worry.
ReplyDeleteSome Native American Elders told a group of managers they met with that worrying causes bad things to happen, so I try my best not to worry any more.
ReplyDeleteA very inspiring post Jo...I have to get some worry beads. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about attitude. Great post, thank you!
Jeanne xxx
Love those beads, and that you've kept them:) I think we've all worried about life at times, some more than others. And yes, I have indulged in my younger years. True that we mellow with age. Well, most of us do. My 83 yr old dad still worries over everything! I don't see the point in worrying over something that hasn't happened yet, and likely never will...
ReplyDeleteI have a favorite saying on this subject. I think I'll blog it somewhere:)
BTW, you've been to Greece too? Cool!