Why Worry? I Wonder…

by Katie B. Smith

Have you noticed how irritated your body feels when you worry?  For me it feels like electrical static that keeps me wired and uptight.  I am finding as I age and meditate more, I worry less.  However, job changes, health issues and relationship concerns can move us all into the world of worry.  So what helps you shift from worry to wonder?  I had to give up coffee about 10 years ago because the caffeine made me agitated and intensified feelings of worry.  Too much sugar can also do that to me sometimes.  Even low blood sugar and skipping meals has an impact on my attitude and sense of calm.  Try observing when you feel worried and when you don’t. Does food and drink have an impact on you? Are you eating when you need to and when it is best for your body, or are you eating or drinking to distract yourself? Think about it: when you worry you put your physical body under more stress and that creates resistance, which stops flow and opportunities from appearing.

But worry can get a hold of us on a daily basis when we are in job search mode. So what helps you shift out of the worry mindset? I like to repeat the phrase “ALLOW, ALLOW, ALLOW” – this reminds me that I cannot control everything and that sometimes you have to, as the saying goes, “Let Go and Let God.” Let’s face it: if we have to control something the best thing to control is our attitude. I tell my kids when they are in a funk that they need an attitude adjustment. The mention of it helps remind them that they have a choice.

Ultimately, what does worry accomplish?  Does it make our situations any better?  Is it a productive use of time and energy? If anything, worry just makes me more stressed which compounds the problem. When I let it go and focus on something I want to create or a positive activity that engages me, then the worry doesn’t get a hold of me. I find worry lives in my mind, and when I can concentrate on something that brings me joy, the worry subsides. And wouldn’t you prefer to think about something that will make you feel better about your search?  Maybe there is an article, blog or inspirational quote you can keep nearby will help raise your awareness.

I have noticed when someone is worrying they tend to ensnare everyone around them in the same worry game. Sometimes they deflect people from being around them at all, creating isolation. That creates even more tension and stress – it spreads like a disease. Wouldn’t it be more fun to spread joy, laughter and ease? Our search can be easy and effortless if we remember to be in a state of ease. When we can relax in our search we enjoy the moments rather than worrying about what is not happening.

Finally, have you ever wondered if this job crisis is teaching us to live in the present moment versus the future? How present have you been in your life? Do you have an “attitude of gratitude?”  We all have something to be grateful for and we could all be in a worse situation. Take a moment this next week to honor the good in your life and who you are. Honor your friendships, your family and the simple things that show up and support you. Just observe yourself and see how it feels in this place of gratitude. I would love to hear what you are grateful for and what you experience when you are in this place.

Live well,

Katie

Katie B. Smith

Executive Search Consultant & Coach

Office: 303-955-0367

Cell: 512-632-4960

www.katiebsmith.com