Whatever you’re thinking about is literally like planning a future event. When you’re worrying, you are planning. When you’re appreciating you are planning…What are you planning?
— Abraham
I have found myself worry planning some big trouble lately. It is so easy. Just think the scary thoughts and follow the scary mind movie to its scary conclusion.
I think this is in the category of not doing my best, one of the four agreements from The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)by Don Miguel Ruiz. “Always do your best,” he says.
When I do am doing this kind of worry planning, here’s what I do. I tell myself that I want to feel good. I pet a cat a dog a horse. I take a walk. I watch something like Bridesmaids again or listen to Annie Lamott reading Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith. I get as general as I can, which means not drilling down into the situation or even a good feeling solution for that situation. I leave it alone. As best I can.