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Sometime last week I took my youngest to the doctor and it was a stressful visit. It was that time again … his 18-month vaccination and checkup were due. First thing’s first … he’s not fond of going to the doctor, nor is he fond of injections – but what child is.
It was also stressful for me because I hate seeing any of my kids in pain. To add to that, I was also preoccupied mentally with my own battle with life’s challenges that I somehow couldn’t shake. I had written the day off as hectic and just wanted it to be over with.
While heading home, I came up on a taxi with the words “WHY WORRY?” spelled out in capital letters across its back glass. Apart from the fact that we were at a red light and obviously needed to stop, the words really jolted me and got me to start thinking: Why am I so worried?
Let’s get real
2022 has started off for many of us as 2020-too. With the scares of a global pandemic and no true end in sight, the cyclical nature of life (good and bad) can be a daunting factor that many of us were not taught how to handle or even how to approach.
Often, it is difficult to admit how hard life really is to ourselves much less to others. As a result, people around us don’t really realize the load that we are carrying and trying to force down on the inside to appear “normal” or “fine”. Yet the concerns that we have are real and very present. However, most of us don’t leave it at just a concern and that’s when it turns into worry.
According to the Oxford dictionary, worry is “a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems.” It can also be defined as “to allow one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles.”
And isn’t that true. This is the point when things start going haywire. This is when, our brains start going a million miles per hour and our actual or potential problems start cycling through our thoughts:
When is this pandemic ever going to be over?
When will I stop living paycheck to paycheck?
Will I ever be able to own my own home?
Am I really walking in my purpose?
What is my purpose?
Will I ever be happy?
etc. …
This is when it takes over everything we do and speak, and that’s when it now becomes dangerous!
But how can we stop worrying?
As an overthinker and a mom of two, let me start off by saying I have not yet mastered this distraction of life. And yes, it is a distraction!
I too am working my way out of the occasional visit to “Worry-ville.” And even while writing this, I am reminding myself of what it takes to walk my walk authentically knowing that I have already been blessed with all I need within me. All of that to say, it’s not a destination but a journey. And with every journey, you need a roadmap.
From my own worries, I realized that fear is the real root cause. It has been the determining factor of why I may focus on a situation. The fear of losing something or someone, the fear of making the wrong decision, the fear of not knowing, etc. I realized that it may be the reason why I over analyze a situation, or maybe replay it over and over in my thoughts.
However, the bible charges us to “fear not” 365 times. That is one “fear not” for every single day of the year.
So how do we do this?
Let me give you a glimpse into my current roadmap out of or past “Worry-ville”
1. A managed mind leads to security and serenity
We were not only given dominion and authority over the things of this world, but also our minds. This is the starting point. Discipline yourself to take hold of every thought and direct it to where you want it to be. Don’t allow your thoughts to run wild. Randomness is a thief of greatness and greatness is in you!
2. Prayer is the weapon (2 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 4)
I think no matter the subject, I always reinforce prayer. It could be something exciting and new, or daunting and hard, but I always recommend prayer. Even when you don’t feel like it, talk to your maker … talk to God! He is the only one that can set you back to “factory settings” and get you on the right path, your true path.
3. Success leaves clues
Never believe that you’re in this alone. You were created for community; engage and use it wisely.
Yes, your problem (actual or potential) may be unique to you, however, be reminded that there is nothing new under the sun. Someone somewhere has been through this before and therefore may be able to guide you through, or just be there to listen and support you on your journey out of or past “Worry-ville” and into your best life!
Note to self …
What has your attention, has you. You’ve got to fight! You need to outlast your old you long enough to get to your new you and new way of thinking!
#trust #hustle #rest in the Lord …
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Kimberly-Joe Osborne is an authentic, purpose driven, and adventurously expectant wife, mother, entrepreneur, and woman of God.
Better known as KJ, she is an outgoing introvert with a heart that beats for family, faith, travel, culture, creativity, and food. After becoming a mother, she realized adulting could sometimes be a “hot mess” and so laundry became her zen. On this road to recovery from trying to be the perfect mom and wife, she is currently writing her first book which speaks to aligning and growing in faith in the midst of routine.
Kimberly-Joe is also the co-founder of CoacHer Legacy, where she dedicates herself to coaching mothers with the objective of redesigning generational legacy God's way. Through CoacHer Legacy, she and her business partner Shelly-Ann Munroe, provide a social safe space for mothers seeking to live a richer life by stepping out into their God given purpose.