What worries you, masters you. – John Locke, born August 29, 1632

John Locke, pictured above, tells us exactly how worry was in the 1600s and how it still is today. It’s probably always been like that! Worry can and will own us. There are all kinds of quotes about how worry steals our joy for today and how it fixes nothing. We’ve all heard them. But, how do you actually STOP yourself from worrying?

My clients will tell you I’m famous for a few “stock” statements. One of them is, “You’re the only one thinking your thoughts, you’re the only one who can change them.”. Worrying is you allowing your mind to control you. You’re writing stories in your head that aren’t even true! So, if you’re writing stories, why not write stories you want to live instead of ones you fear and worry about?

It’s a process. We have to learn to turn our thoughts to things we purposely think. We have to work on changing the story in our head. It’s fun though once you get the hang of it! I’ll give you a quick example of worry versus great story telling.