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EMPLOY THE WISDOM OF A "WORRY BOX" When I begin to feel worried, I am always reminded of an unusual object I own: a tiny box from Guatemala with even tinier dolls inside. It is known as a "worry box." The one who uses it is invited to tell each of their worries to a different doll, place the dolls in the box, and put the lid on tightly. When they meet again, he or she checks in with each doll as to the assigned worry, which in many cases has gone away. What my worry box teaches me is that worries are usually not based on facts, but on what we fear may happen. Often, our fears never materialize at all. |
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How could you employ the wisdom of the worry box? Whenever possible, catch a worry in its first few moments. Confront it with a rational or positive thought. Ask yourself what is really true. If you don't have the facts to answer, then plan how and when you will get them. For example, if you begin to worry about paying your bills, take the time to list specifically what you owe and then calculate available funds. If worries take hold before you realize it, try escaping by doing something physical. Take ten slow, deep breaths. Go for a walk. Mow the lawn. Or you might create a beautiful vacation spot and go there in your mind. If you don't have a "worry buddy," it is well worth finding one. This is a person you can call at any time, someone who can objectively help you put your current worry into perspective. Sometimes just talking about it will drive the worry away. If worry still persists, sit down for an "okay, worry, let's have it" session. Worry as hard as you can, and then, when you are worried out, grab your notebook, ask yourself what you can do about the situation, and make work notes. Then take any leftover worry, about which you can do nothing, and place it in the worry box. Put the lid on and forget it! |
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Dear God, You have invited me to cast my cares on you. Forgive me for trying to carry them all alone. I bring to you now what I can't manage. . . Amen.
Matthew 6:25-34 |
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Click on the links below to read the chapters: WALKING 'DOWN' TIMES AWAY
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