“When we stop feeding our worries, we make space for peace to return.”
Happy Thursday,
Worry and fear can take on a life of their own if we let them. This week’s note explores three ways to release their hold — by pausing the story, focusing on what we want, and finding peace through simple daily actions.
This week’s topic and inspiration come from the article: “How to Release Your Worries and Fears with Intention.”
💛 Remember the Good
Practice #1: Don’t Feed Your Worries
It’s perfectly normal to have worries in life. A healthy amount of fear is necessary for human survival. But when we notice the worry train gaining momentum, we can try the simplest tool: stop feeding worries. Say it to yourself in your own words — enough, no more, bye-bye. When we stop feeding the worry story, it has a way of coming to an end.
Tip to remember the good: Reflection exercise: Notice one worry that’s been taking up space and imagine saying goodbye to it.
Reflect deeper: Worries fade faster when we focus on the present moment. What do you want to give your attention to instead?
🌿 Feel Your Best
Practice #2: Focus on What You Do Want
After we stop our worries in their tracks, it helps to have something new to occupy our minds. We do ourselves right by focusing on what we do want — joy, love, peace, ease, or some version of all of these emotions. Ask yourself: How do I want to feel? What am I grateful for right now? When we shelf our worries long enough to ask these questions, we tip the scales toward what’s truly meaningful.
Tip to feel your best: Reflection exercise: Ask yourself one positive question: What do I want more of in my life right now?
Reflect deeper: Even small shifts in focus can grow a new sense of calm and hope. What new story could you start writing today?
🔄 Reset as Needed
Practice #3: Get Busy Doing Other Things
Sometimes our storms are too big to simply shut off. When we become busy doing something that requires our time and attention, our worries have a way of taking a back seat. Whether it’s walking in fresh air, dancing, painting, or baking something delicious — do the things that awaken your creativity and senses. Fear and worry don’t live in those spaces.
Tip for a reset: Reflection exercise: Think of one healthy activity that helps you feel lighter.
Deeper Reflection: Sometimes what we need most is a healthy reprieve from our fears. What activity helps you feel most like yourself again?
This Week’s Quote:
Grateful Jake
A homework assignment on gratitude leaves Jake completely stumped. After all, he’s just an ordinary 8-year-old boy – what’s so great about that? But a weekend of adventures opens his eyes to the true meaning of gratitude, and just how lucky he is that it’s always within his reach.
This engagingly illustrated picture book will help introduce your young readers to the concept of gratitude, and the accompanying Grateful Jake Resource Guide will help you expand on those ideas with activities your whole family will enjoy.
Disclaimer: This newsletter’s advice and strategies are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, we cannot guarantee outcomes or be held liable for any consequences of using or misusing the information provided. We encourage you to seek professional advice or consult with qualified experts for guidance related to your particular needs.