Here’s something I believe, wholeheartedly:
It’s helpful to focus on the present, letting go of regrets about the past (which we cannot change) and worries about the future (which we cannot control).
However, humans look into the future, as a way to prepare.
During certain times of the year, preparation seems more important. For example, if it’s cold and dark outside and we don’t prepare for that before we go out … we might be sorry. (I considered writing “WE MIGHT DIE!!!!”, but I didn’t want to alarm anybody.)
Also, during the Christmas season, people prepare in many different ways. They buy gifts. They often prepare to connect with family and friends.
I don’t know about you, but preparation can make me anxious. Why? Oh, probably because I think I need to do a great job at everything or …. dire results may occur. (I doubt that buying a bad gift will actually kill me, but who knows?)
Anyway, I got a little lost in my own catastrophizing there.
So what were my points, for this post today?
People worry about the future. It’s human. And certain situations increase our worry.
Agreed?
Speaking for myself, I am definitely thinking about next week, with some expectations and feelings. I’m wondering if any of you share that experience with me.
If so, I have some news about next week. Next week is going to be unlike any week we’ve ever experienced before.
Now, this may sound like fortune-telling, but I have proof. Yesterday, at work, I was talking to a doctor in her office, and she suddenly said, “Look! I’ve never seen THAT before.”
And she pointed at the calendar, on her desk. Here’s a picture of it:
I’ve never seen that before, either. And, I’m not sure how to interpret this data.
Maybe, if the 16th doesn’t go well for people, we get a “do-over” the next day.
So you may want to prepare for that.
Thanks to all the doctors I work with (for their vision and foresight), people preparing everywhere, and to you — of course!! — for reading today.
Funny how my post aligns so with yours. I also think — fearing the future for me is from a childhood anxiety about not really knowing what was going to happen next. My father could suddenly explode in a rage and then, all plans were cancelled. left me with this fear of making plans… I’m working on letting it go. 🙂
I am honored to witness your work on this, Louise. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Some days a do-over day would come in handy!
Yes it would, Nancy. Thanks for the comment!
“So what were my points, for this post today?”
I didn’t know of WP posts were to have points!!! You are making me feel anxious. lol
I need to sit down and do some preparation before tomorrow.
We always throw away old calendars. That is one to keeper!
I would like to make the following point: I love this comment.
I will try extra hard to remember not to repeat myself on the second 16th, Ann. Bad, calendar maker!
I try not to repeat myself too, Mark. Actually, some things bear repeating. Like this: I always look forward to your comments.
I agree! I feel the same way about the holidays. It does increase my anxiety to think about all the preparations we are making to connect with family, to get gifts under a budget and give our kids a good Christmas.
You are definitely not alone in that, Jess. I’m so glad you visited and commented today. Thanks!
Think I’ll watch Groundhog Day on the 16th. Then again on the 16th.
Great idea. Thanks, Janet! Great idea. Thanks, Janet!
I am definitely the same way where planning can increase anxiety because I feel the need to do a good job with everything that I do. When in reality the worst case scenario is just that doing a “bad” job (who decides whether it’s good or bad anyway?) will probably just result in me feeling uncomfortable for a little while rather than the dire consequences we imagine.
I have yet to find a decent way of incorporating this information on an unconscious level, so for now I’m settling for reminding myself as frequently as necessary, I don’t have to do everything perfectly.
Thanks so much for this wise and helpful comment. I’m so grateful you read and commented today.
Your ‘WE MIGHT DIE’ first thought was actually pretty appropriate for Latvia 😉 I’m just focusing on staying alive until spring 😉
Love this comment! I’m doing my best, too. I’ll be sending warm thoughts your way.
I need them!
I don’t know about Dec. 16 ’13, but there are some days I would like to do over. But that’s regrets. Kinda hard not to do that.
True. It’s human to do that. Thanks so much for this comment.
Ah! That’s weirdly ominous! I didn’t notice it at first glance… Hmm.. what if it’s some sort of Groundhog Day like wormhole and we are stuck forever on December 16th?! Both mondays and tuesdays are just horrible so I’m not sure how this is going to work out in anyone’s favor…
We’ll see how we do next week. I hope we do make it to Wednesday.
Thanks for considering the ominous consequences with us. Always great to see you, Aussa!
Ann, I should be going to bed and instead I am here reading your blog and laughing. Thank you for stopping by my place – I see that we are connected by amazing Babsje. Cheers! ~Lynn
I am grateful for the amazing Babsje and for discovering you, also. Thanks so much for stopping by and laughing with me. Now, get to sleep!
Ah, yes, you caught me reading more of your posts! My dog is nudging me, time to go, but I look forward to returning soon.
Regards to you and your nudging dog, Lynn. I look forward to meeting you again here soon.
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