Time: < 30 Minutes
STEP 1: When you realize that you are starting to worry, ask yourself a few questions:
- Am I worried about something that may never happen?
- Do I have any control over the outcome?
- Am I worried about something from the past or future?
Remember: “You cannot change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future.” (Isak Dinesen)
STEP 2: If you are worried about something that may never happen, write down what you may be able to do to influence the outcome. If you are worried about the past, decide if you can make amends, apologize, or show someone new behaviors to hopefully decrease any pain or hurt. If you can, do it and do it quickly. If you can’t, recognize the consequences that go with the actions/behavior and see if you can find what lessons can be learned from it. If you were the victim, still look for the lessons that can be learned. Look inward, look outward, and then look upward for peace and contentment.
STEP 3: Practice happiness as a state of mind by thinking positively about yourself and your life. Once you have found the silver lining (though it may be hard to see), ask God/the Universe to open your eyes to what you need to learn from this circumstance. Then thank Him/the universe for hearing your request.
STEP 4: Take the necessary steps to not get in a similar situation in the future (where possible). Counseling, therapy, and practicing self-awareness may help.
