I saw this quote over the weekend and realized that it very accurately describes my life.
I’m a worrier by nature. While I do spend a lot of time worrying about small things, I also often worry about things far beyond my control. At its worst, it goes beyond the mental and manifests itself physically. I can’t eat. My mind races. I go into overdrive. Instead of sleeping, I make list after list just so I can constantly cross things off and feel like I’m accomplishing something besides worrying.
Having a baby on the way adds a whole new level to the worry complex. I worry baby will be born too early or born sick. I worry someone important in his life will die before he gets to spend enough time with them. I worry I won’t be able to breastfeed even though I want to or that I won’t be able to find the balance I need between work and motherhood. I worry I’ll fail as a parent.
I know I’m not the only one who worries. I also know that from this point on, I’ll never stop worrying about my child. It will never truly go away.
Sometimes I think we worry just to be reassured… just for the sense of relief that comes when things do go as planned.
At my last OB appointment, we were referred to a maternal fetal medicine specialist. Baby boy has some fluid in his kidneys and his femur bones were measuring a bit small. Obviously no one wants to hear scary things like this…and despite my best efforts, I did spend some the next few days worrying.
Then we saw the specialist on Friday. We had another ultrasound with an amazing tech who did a great job calming us down and rechecking all his measurements.
Turns out they’re not super concerned about his kidneys. It’s very common in boys and most often resolves on its own.
As far as the leg bones. They’re fine. While his head and stomach are measuring on the larger side of the percentile charts, his arms and legs are measuring on the smaller side. But they’re still within the normal ranges. We’re going back in 4 weeks to get everything rechecked again, but until then, they said not to worry.
Relief.
And after all of that, here’s what I’m reminded of:
Go ahead and worry. But don’t let worrying consume you. Because most of what we worry about never even happens.
So I’m not making it my goal not to stop worrying. I think in some instances worry can be a good thing. It can make you more aware, more vigilant, more proactive.
Instead, I’m making it my goal to worry less. To find a balance between worrying and living.
I’m choosing to worry about things I can control. Things I can change by channeling that worry into productivity.
Example: A few weeks ago, I was walking the dogs and I came upon a woman who had collapsed on the ground in front of her house. A man had arrived a few minutes before I did and already called 911. She was breathing for the first few minutes but just as the paramedics showed up, she stopped breathing and they started CPR. I’ve been CPR certified before, but it’s probably been 7-8 years since I went to a course. The whole event got me thinking about what would have happened if she had stopped breathing earlier…or if it had taken longer for help to arrive. I started worrying. Would I have known what to do? Answer- probably not.
So instead of worrying, I went home and immediately signed up for an adult and infant CPR course.
I’m doing something about the worries I CAN control.
And as for the rest of them?
I’m working on letting go.
Join me?
Because really:
{Source}
–Lindsay–
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Fellow worrier here! Honestly I think a lot more women than men are worriers, and I’m not sure why that is. Regardless it really is so true that most if the things we worry about never happen. There’s that quote about all worry does is steal today’s happiness. When you are just thinking about what could go wrong tomorrow then you are not living in the present. I’ve become less worrisome over the years simply Bc I’ve had more life experiences. Older people usually have a lot less worries than us youngens Bc they’ve been through so much and realize nothing is really that bad. We could all learn from that attitude! Glad to hear baby is A OK!
definitely a great attitude to have!
i like the “worrying about things you can control” – that’s a great way to think of things and also gives perspective! i know many people who could benefit from this. thanks for this honest post, lindsay! 🙂 xo
Ok I need to have all those images engraved on my brain! SO so true. I told myself a couple of months ago to stop repeating thoughts – ie those nagging worries that you keep returning to. I’m trying to teach myself to either deal with a problem, and forget about – if I can’t deal with it… then also forget about it! Seems simple, but in practise… 😉
Glad everything’s ok with the little one!
deal with it or forget it…i like it!
I never knew this much worry/guilt until I became a mama. You’re smart getting a handle on it now. Your little man is so lucky to have a mama who cares so much! 🙂
thanks joanna 🙂 doing my best!
This was a beautiful and timely post. Thank you <3
I too am a worrier by nature and work hard every day to let go of the things I need not worry about.
Something that helps me is deep breathing, getting present and then visualizing the worry leaving me 🙂
Sending a big hug and so happy to hear everything is healthy with your little one 🙂 xx
i need to try the visualization aspect!
Oddly, becoming a mom has stopped me from worrying so much. Mainly because when you are a soon to be mom or a mom you will find endless things to worry about. For me, it became laughable. I also read a book by Louise Hay call Heal Your Life where she gives some great mantras. One of them was “All is well. Everything is as it should be.” It took me a little while to realize she was right but I use this mantra all the time now. And I love your example about controlling what you can and how you turned it into ACTION.
that’s a great mantra! i’ll try to remember that!
I love this post, Linds- I think many of us can relate to it but it’s the coping aspect which as you mentioned earlier- it can be a form of reassurance. Seeking the elusive balance of ‘healthy’ worrying- that’s what we can strive to!
healthy worrying is where it’s at. now, to get there 🙂
I’ve thought about it. I’ve talked about it. I’ve blogged about it. Now I’m doing it! Letting go! It’s actually working! Feel the difference.
I love the tabs and brain analogy 🙂
yay! so glad to hear that!
This post resonated with me so much – I am exactly the same. I worry so I will never be disappointed, put on the spot or out in an awkward situation. I worry so I can control all my situations, so I have a solution to problems before they even arise! It took me a while to realise this but now I have I am, like you, working on it. Even just the small changes I have made have made such a difference. You are right, the first thing to work on is only worrying about thins you can control! 🙂
glad to hear it’s making a difference for yoU!
This is fantastic. I feel like most advice is usually to “stop worrying,” but I think your approach is so much more realistic. I’m so happy Baby Boy is OK. It sounds like you have a team of wonderful doctors on your side. And what a great idea to get CPR certified! I haven’t done a certification in a while, but that absolutely put me in control of some of my worries in a very productive way.
definitely more realistic for me!
so very true friend. And that’s why i pray (a lot). haha! But you are right, not in our control. We must let go and know we are doing the best we can of what DO control. Praying for baby bean and YOU
thanks friend!
Oh so glad that everything is okay with baby. I can fret a lot but remind myself of a passage learned in church as a kid that really stuck to my worrying self – basically, look at the birds who don’t sow or reap or plan for the future . .or the flowers which are dressed in splendor — God takes care of all these, therefore he will take care of you . . no man ever added an hour to his life by worry.
love love love that! thanks for sharing!
“worrying doesn’t take away tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s peace”–love that! Praying is my antidote to worry. It’s the only thing that helps, really, when I feel myself getting consumed with worry. I’ll pray for you and your baby, Lindsay. Thanks for the inspiring words today.
thanks so much!
It is so hard not to worry about babies or children. When you love them so much, something bad happening is the absolute worst thing imaginable. I loved reading this, it reminds me to be positive and allow the goodness rather than stress and welcome the negative! Thank you!
allow the goodness….love that!
I am definitely a worrier. I am working on it, but it’s hard to find a balance between sticking my head in the sand and doing what I can without worrying.
definitely know how you feel!
I think most woman are worriers by nature, I definitely am… I’m sure having a child brings a whole different game of worry, but you’re right about working on what you can control. Extra prayers for baby bean and your family! Great post, sharing with one of my best friends who is a mother to be shortly after you and her worries have started.
thanks for sharing! hope it helps her!
I LOVE That first quote and I can totally relate. I’m guilty of worrying when worrying doesn’t really get you anywhere. I like how you took charge to do the thing you CAN do to prepare for scary situations like that!
definitely helps to be proactive and actually DO something to make yourself feel better.
Thank you thank you thank you. This post was made for me. To say I worry a lot is a huge understatement. Definitely going to save this page to look at again next time I’m stressing!
good! hope it helps!
I have a list posted at my desk that is Kemmons Wilson’s 20 Tips for Success. He was the founder of Holiday Inn. #18 is: “Do not worry. You can’t change the past, but you sure can ruin the present by worrying aver the future. Remember that half the things we worry about never happen, and the other half are going to happen anyway. So, why worry?”
I am 100% guilty of worrying about a lot of things and worst-case-scenario-ing things. I’m trying to be more mindful about taking things one step/day at a time.
that sounds like a great list!
This is a great reminder. Since becoming a parent, my worrying has increased tenfold. But you’re right, unless there really is something I can do about, then I’ve got to get it under control. Easier said than done, of course, but a goal to try to meet, indeed.
always good to have a goal 🙂
Don’t worry I’m a worry wart too! I try to let things go – working out seems to help alleviate them!
yeah it does!
I am such a worrier myself. It doesn’t make me feel good that you worry too, but it is reassuring to know that I’m not crazy for worrying as much as I do.
I am so sorry to hear about scary news for the baby! Honestly, our health care is so advanced that sometimes I think it’s not for our benefit. What if they had never told you all that and he is just fine? It’s causing worry for nothing! But then again, if something truly is wrong, we need to know.
Praying for you and baby, Bean!
I’ve thought about that myself melissa! would not knowing be better if nothing was wrong? hard to say…thanks for the prayers 🙂
Glad to hear everything is going well with the little one and everything is within normal limits.
I’m a worrier as well. I think it’s getting better with age though which is a plus. Either that or I just don’t sweat the small stuff because I’ve prioritized what is worth my mental energy now? A friend of mine worried so much that she ended up seeing a counselor about it and he recommended teachings from this author who wrote The Worry Cure. I read it too so I could help her and it really had some great points/exercises that I took forward that have really helped. A good addition if you need something to read on vacation or something!
thanks! will definitely check it out!
Love this post!! I’ve struggled my whole life with anxiety. My biggest fear is getting sick– I’d constantly worry about all these little symptoms I would have and blow them way out of proportion and think I was sick with some major disease. It was a constant struggle. But now with meditation, yoga, and seeing a therapist, I am starting to see relief. Letting go of control is the hardest part. I’ll keep you and you baby in my thoughts! 🙂
Also– highly recommend this book by Thich Nhat Hanh– Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm. Great book about mindfulness and not letting fear control you.
thanks Emily! Will definitely check out that book!
praying for you all and baby bean friend! I so ned to work on this. by nature, i tend to worry excessively. it’s no fun.
My favorite quote about worry:
“Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.”
Hang in there mama 🙂
i like that quote as well 🙂 trying to keep it in mind!
It’s true most of the things we worry about never happen but becoming mom opens up a whole new world of things to worry about. It’s a sign of a good mom! LOL 🙂
good to know 🙂
Oh Lindsay, I can only imagine how much worry levels go up when pregnant. I woke up this morning in a state of worry, too. I think it may have something to do with our genetic make up 😉
I’m glad to hear things are ok with baby boy – praying for you both! xo
And one of my favorite “worry quotes” is by Mark Twain – “I’ve lived through some terrible things in my life…some of which have actually happened.”
thanks paige. hope your worries settle down today!
I’m not a chronic worrier but I was raised by one. Of course thoughts based on fears of the worst DO pop into my mind…especially when people I really love and care about are involved. Anyway, it’s good you are reflecting on how that impacts your life and relationships. You’re a mom now and your kid is lucky he has you to “worry” about him…not in the negative way, but in the mommy, protective and loving way.
Thanks tiff!
I too am a worrier by nature, I swear it’s in my bones. It’s one of those things that I’m working to overcome, to break down and improve but I know it’s not easy and that it will take a lot of time for me to learn to relax. I’ve spent the last few months worrying about some things happening with my job and in the last week, things have really hit a head. I allowed myself to get so stressed, to worry so much that I spent my entire weekend sick in bed. I have SOME reason to worry BUT not to the point that it makes me sick because at the end of the day, things will happen as they are supposed to. My job situation will work itself out as it’s supposed to and your baby will be born as he’s supposed to (and you won’t love him any less)! 🙂
thanks katie! hope the job stuff works out for you! fingers crossed!
I am definitely a worrier by nature. I am trying to get better about realizing that if a problem exists then in most instances I can do something to resolve it or at least make it better. And if I can’t… well then I just can’t and I have to move on. A lot easier said than done though, right? 😉
definitely easier said than done 🙂
wow, what a stressful situation. such wise words on worrying — never an easy lesson to learn!
Wow, I’m bookmarking this post. Great read and relatable to everyone!
thanks jenny! hope it helps calm you down sometime when you need it most!
Wow! This post is so powerful! Thank you for writing it! I have a lot of anxiety and have dealt with it even growing up. Recently married and kids on the brain I finally took charge and started seeing a therapist to help me work through the worries I have about parenting, life balance, even how to keep up exercise and ‘me time’ and just helping me balance my constant worries. Thank you for letting me know I’m not alone, I’m hoping by talking it out, I’ll be able to work through the realistic worries and the irrational ones!
Great post! LOVED it!
definitely not alone! hang in there!
Oh gosh I love this post and it came RIGHT in time for me! I have so much coming up next week and I already feel like I am in over drive. This week I have decided to focus on enjoying every single minute of every day. The next day will worry about itself and I will find a way to get things done eventually. I can’t miss out on all the beauty in life because I am worried about what MIGHT happen.
good for you! hang in there and good luck next week!
I needed to read this today! I am also a worrier. It all started when I became a mom. I was actually in talk therapy and on meds for a while until I learned how to deal with my worries and anxiety. I recently bought Kelly Howell’s Relieve Anxiety Brain Sync CD. It’s a combination of ocean waves, subliminal suggestions and theta waves that sooth your nervous system, generating deep states of relaxation. It really has helped me out! My husband says “worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere!” Keep your chin up and keep looking for signs that everything is going to be ok…they are always there! I’m glad to hear baby boy is doing well.
oooh that sounds like a great CD. Thanks!
You got this girl! I’ve struggled with worry my whole life and can’t even imagine how that must increase when you have a little life to worry about. I think it’s great you’re getting a handle on it and focusing on things you can control instead of all the stuff we can’t.
Thanks Erin! Doing my best!
Ah yes, I totally understand. I too am a worrier by nature as well. I find that if I am working out and taking care of myself I am able to keep it under control but it spirals out of control if I am not working out.
i hear ya. working out helps me so much!!
I would love to join you on this journey to worry less. I, like you worry over small things and big things that make no sense to even think about let alone worry about. It has been a struggle for as long as I remember and I have had to deal with it with medicine at some points. For the last few years I have been better and working hard to manage my worries but they are still there and there are days it makes me literally sick. I have not found a solid way to control the worries, but focusing on one day/thing at a time has helped.
one day at a time is definitely the best way to do it!
I’m notorious for worrying.. I sent myself into a downward spiral. It’s only gotten worse with the man deployed right now. Instead of the ‘normal’ “he’s in danger, what if he dies, I’m going to be alone forever, this isn’t far” approach, I’ve been trying to center myself and remind myself I have no control whatsoever as to what happens overseas. But I can have faith in the fact that he’s doing everything in HIS power to come home safely to me.
The worrying doesn’t stop there-I worry about everything. You’re not alone. But your positive attitude about it is commendable and pushes me to have the same approach.
i can’t even imagine how much potential worry you have with him overseas but i love that you’re trying to change your mindset! thinking of you! hope the rest of the time passes quickly!
Boy did I need this reminder!!! We are getting married in two months and I’ve not been able to sleep for worrying about everything! Like how can I pay for all this? How long will it take to move my stuff? Will our family blend well? What was I thinking?! Lol thank you for this post b
you’re welcome! best of luck to you with the wedding. everything will be fine!
I have similar similar problems with worrying too much, and I love all the inspirational quotes you’ve gathered in this post. “Let go of what you cannot control” rings true to me! Glad that your baby is doing ok!
Thanks Lisa! Hope those quotes help you as well!
I can completely agree with many things in this post. Sometimes shutting off our brains (before bed) is the best medicine! I too make lists on lists on lists to cross things off and sometimes we just have to take a step back to look at the bigger picture! Thank you for this truth!
yes! shutting off before bed is definitely important!
Lindsay this was an amazing post! Sometimes I even worry about how much I worry because I know worrying is stressful on the body and not good for you. Then I remind myself that I’m literally making myself crazy! It’s great to be reminded that we all worry and we can only control what we can control. The rest is totally out of our hands. I’m happy to hear everything with baby is okay!
haha definitely been there on the worrying about worrying!
Awesome blog today! Being a fellow worrier the blog helped me focus on the things I can control! Good to know baby bean is ok, nice that you have docs to make sure he is growing good. Have a great Tuesday!
Glad to hear it Sue!
I’m a worrier too, so I will (try to) join you. Glad to hear that baby bean is doing well and that you are finding ways to let go of the worry and enjoy this time instead.
Thanks Ananda! Just taking it one day/one worry at a time. Hope you can too!
Ah this was perfectly timed! I was sitting at my computer, worrying away about what I had eaten this morning, worrying about my mom, worrying about my work. Then you wrote this post and it helped me put everything in perspective. Instead of worrying, we need to be proactive about what we can change, learn from what we can’t, and just keep moving forward.
One of my favorite quotes that helped me through some rough times:
“Worrying will never change the outcome”
Love that one. And 2 pennies heads up is definitely a good sign! I am all about stuff like that. Glad the baby is health.
That’s one of my favorite quotes too! Best of luck to you!
Oooh I LOVE that last quote. I am a worrier too but have become much less so over the years. For me, saying a prayer often helps relive the burden I might be carrying. I remember with baby #3 they couldn’t see all the fingers on the u/s so they sent us to a specialist. They thought his fingers were fused together- any way, he ended up being totally fine. Those ultrasounds can sometimes cause more stress than relief!! Plus the pregnancy hormones don’t help with the worrying! Keep up your positive attitude ;0
i am so very glad to hear that your son is doing okay! how scary 🙁 i totally agree with melanie… sometimes ultrasounds can be such a cause of unnecessary stress and worry. and i also agree with her comment about prayer. it is the ONLY thing that really ever takes my worries away. (although, full disclosure, sometimes i have to pray over and over… it’s hard to let go of the worries sometimes.)
thanks francine 🙂 doing my best!
Oh maaaaaaan this post is totally up my alley. I’m a constant worrier!! I’m a teacher and don’t start school until the 25th of August and I’m already stressing out about things…. I too need to try to only worry about things I can control!!
good luck! we can do it! one day at a time!
This was the post I was looking for today. Hubby is traveling and I constantly worry about him. I need to just relax and look forward to when he comes home!
exactly! good luck!
aww well I am certainly glad your latest appt showed some good news! and I can completely relate to worry. I just posted this to my FB yesterday, a great scripture that has some really good words of advice that I am trying to channel too when I start going down the worry path:
“Worry is a horrible tenant. It lives rent-free in your soul, and furthermore, it demands to be paid — with the deposit of your precious thought life.”
and
“Worry never changed what already happened, and it is incapable of altering what will come to pass next week. But worry does have the power to rob today of its joy, if we let it.”
xoxo
love both of those! thanks for sharing!
Yes, yes, yes! This is something I’m always working on- it’s improving with practice and time, but I hear ya, it’s always so tempting to worry!
Lol- love the Zen flowchart. We can all use this advice from time to time. 🙂
This is such an important post! It can be hard to free our minds from worry – I try and remind myself that there are plenty of USEFUL things to feel and do, but worrying isn’t one of them. It’s like a rocking chair – you might be moving, but you aren’t getting anywhere! Sending positive worry-free thoughts your way!
i agree. i like that- focus on doing something useful 🙂
So needed to hear this. I’ve got a subliminial headache setting in for packing up my husbands suitcase and I know the house is going to be in shambles while doing so. It’s going to happen anyway – so why worry about it when we can get everything done, cleaned after the fact.
exactly!
I once heard “Worry is the sin of disbelief – it replaces the trust we should seek in God and it steals the peace He otherwise provides.” Reminding myself of that always brings me back to reality with everything. So many things are out of our control (practically everything) and life is SO much better if we just relax and let things be. I love how you worded it in this post <3
that’s a great quote. thanks for sharing!
Great post about worrying. I have just a few comments though…regarding the water in the kidneys and the shorter bones in your baby. Are you eating enough? Are you exercising too much? I’ve heard that sometimes Moms to be need to lower their output of exercise and eat more in order to provide the baby in the oven more energy. Often, women who are on the “lighter” side (weigh less and exercise a lot) have a higher propensity for something to go wrong with their baby. I’m not trying to alarm you, but sometimes Moms-to-Be have to put aside some of their favorite hobbies that expend a lot…or sacrifice and let go of fears of “getting fat” by just eating more to support their growing baby. Just thoughts. I will keep you in my prayers. Hopefully all will be just fine with your baby.
Two clap for your awesome post girlfriend!
You’re going to love this quote. I learned it from Hal Elrod’s podcast about not worrying about things you can’t control. It’s kinda life changing.
So, when something bad happens that you can’t control, just say, “Can’t change it!” And move on. Stop worrying. Even if your brand new car just got totaled.
Keep it up girl!
haha. love it!
I’m a worrier too and it can just consume you if you allow it. As I’ve gotten older, I have gotten SO much better about the worrying, especially if I can’t do anything about it. I will think about it, try to find a solution if I can, but I don’t let myself become consumed. When that happens, you start to miss out on all the good things going on.
that’s awesome to hear how much you’ve improved. that’s my goal!
Great post Lindsay! I needed this. I often worry about things so far out of my control. Way too many tabs open! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I am most definitely a worrier by nature too. I know how it feels to stay up at night instead of sleeping thinking of all the things to worry about instead of getting a good night’s sleep, which would be the thing to actually clear my head in the morning. I’ve been worrying about plenty of things lately… and I’m working on the EXACT same thing… letting it go.
I read your post yesterday. hang in there girl. sending hugs your way!
I’m definitely a worrier by nature too and all the worry and stress definitely manifests itself physically in my body and it’s not fun. I think that it’s absolutely normal to worry (or worry more) when you’re pregnant and about to embark on this huge adventure. For me, it was realizing that, as a parent, there was so much out there that was way beyond my control and that was scary. But you’re absolutely right – stopping the worrying isn’t the answer but it’s being aware of it and really worrying about those things that you can control. It’s made a huge difference.
So glad to hear that baby bean is doing just fine. xoxox
thanks Christine!
I am a worrier too and have actually found that lately I’ve been over worrying. There are a lot of bad things going on in the world right now and I’m honestly scared, but a lot of these things are out of my control. So I need to chill out, move forward, live my life! Sometimes easier said than done, but this post was a nice reminder. Thanks for sharing! XO
agree. easier said than done..but worth the effort! good luck!
i am so like you when it comes to worrying – constant thinking, rethinking, making lists and crossing it over and over is something i do very often. first of all, im happy that little baby is doing fine…there are so many things that are out of our control but its so hard to just let it go..i have tried yoga or calming music which helps a little bit. I also try just disconnecting from everything and go for a run..or meet with my girlfriends.
disconnecting helps for sure!!
I feel a majority of the female population can agree with this post 100%, and I know I’m one of them. I worry to the point where when I tell someone what’s wrong, it almost sounds like I’m crazy (mostly because I overthink the heck out of everything). I deemed 2014 as my year to simplify, in an effort to live a more simple life and to hopefully alleviate some of the worries – and it has been helping! There are still things that stay in my mind that I worry about, and that cause me to get a little stressed, but I’m better! I think the best thing to do is to see if you have a solution in that exact moment, and if you do, then do something about it! And let go. Best advice from my boyfriend. Sometimes, you just have to let life work itself out.
your boyfriend sounds like a wise guy 🙂 i like it!
First off, I am so glad to hear your babe is doing well! I really know what you mean about worrying. It doesn’t do us a ton of good when things are out of our hands. However, if they are things we can control, it’s not such a bad thing. This is a great reminder to all of us to think about what we are worrying about and see if it is worth it or not.
I can completely relate to this in so many ways. First off, I’m a major worrier. I’m always thinking about the what ifs. And second, we were referred to a maternal and fetal specialist too. I know they were being extra cautious doing it but it was so scary. I was rushed to the hospital, my babies given steroids to speed up their lung growth for fear that they would be born too early. In the end, everything was absolutely fine. My twins were born right on time and were perfectly healthy. I’m sure Baby Bean will be just fine. A bonus of seeing a specialist often? More ultrasounds to see your cutie! Thinking of you!
Thanks Angela! Glad to hear everything worked out well for your little ones. Success stories are always good to hear 🙂
I’m the same way & having a chronic illness doesn’t help. My psychologist taught me a trick. Wear a rubber band, in my case an elastic hair-tie, on my wrist. Whenever I have a negative thought, think of something I have no control over, or just a thought that doesn’t help me in my present, I snap my wrist. Literally, snapping myself out of a negative mindset.
Hope this trick can help. Prayers for a healthy baby 🙂 <3
great trick! i’ve used that in the past. may need to bring it back!
Yes x10000. I struggle with anxiety and over-worrying about so many minuscule things and so many major things. Sometimes the worrisome thoughts consume my mind, and I just don’t know how to get rid of them. What I have to do is what you are trying to do— just let matters fall into place. I’m still learning to trust in God and the skills he has given me.
Really awesome post, Lindsay! Praying for you. xoxo
good for you for working on it as well! we can do it!
I worry all.of.the.time. It’s something I am working on. I’m moving across the country in a few days, and I’m constantly worried that I picked the wrong apartment, heck, that I picked the wrong CITY. I have to keep telling myself to live in the moment and realize that worrying really won’t help.
I am thinking of you and your little one.
Thanks Amy! Hope your move goes well!
You are not alone, Lindsay! At a recent appointment with my OB, I asked if it was normal to think more and more about my own mortality now that I have two kids. I was hoping I didn’t have some sort of baby-blues, but she said it was completely normal – particularly for people who have basic needs met (food, shelter, etc.) I am slowly learning that what I fear is unique to me (certain fears, situations) is not unique to me at all and that I just have to open my eyes and heart to feel the support of lots of other women in exactly the same place!
definitely. we’re all in this together!
Oh Linsday…your worry is natural and yes, the Kidney thing is extremely common in boys. E had it and I worried the same. http://www.momslittlerunningbuddy.com/2010/07/second-ultrasound-coming.html
Welcome to the mom’s worry club! 🙂
Thanks Katie. It’s been reassuring to hear it’s common.
This post holds so much truth! I feel it is so easy to worry, especially as women, about SO many things! I def learned a lot about letting go of my worries more when my hubs went through heart surgery last year….but it sneaks up on me at times still.
Love the reminder to be proactive in something instead of continually worrying about it!
Will keep sending prayers for you and baby bean!
Esther
thanks so much!
Beautiful post, Lindsay. The picture at the top perfectly describes me – I have so many tabs open :). I used to have nightmares about my parents dying and other terrible things, and from a young age have always been a worrier. But it has gotten markedly better after just deciding to let go a bit more. I am hoping the same for you! So happy your little guy looks fine, although I’m still sending all my positive thoughts your way!
glad to hear you’ve improved! i’m taking it one day at a time!
I worry so much. I worried especially with my second pregnancy with Jack. I worried that because I had a normal pregnancy and healthy child the first time, that my luck had run out and I was bound to have a child with something “wrong.” Jack was born healthy and vibrant in almost every way, but he did require surgery. And the thing is that all that anxiety centers around the fear of “not being able to handle it”…not being able to deal with the loss or devastation or sadness of something being “wrong.” But when faced with the exact circumstances I feared I WAS STRONG. I handled it. I faced it and together my husband and I and little Jack got through it. And I am a better person and mother for it. And Jack, though he bears a scar from his surgery he is perfectly healthy. The truth is that you never stop worrying when you become a parent, but what you do with that worry is pretty important. Like the chart you shared shows, if there’s something you can do about it go ahead and do it, but don’t worry. Dwelling on the what ifs and the fears yields no good reward. The perfect anecdote to worry is gratitude. Thinking of you Lindsay and your little one:)
You’re such an inspiration Sarah! Thanks for sharing some words of wisdom!
I am sending positive thoughts to you and your little one.
As a chronic worrier by nature, this is something I’ve been working on for years and only seems to be getting worse as I get older…of course! However, I am working on myself by accepting that I am a worrier and that usually most of my anxieties are my brain on hyperdrive. By accepting this piece of myself, I take ownership and it helps me feel a little more control over it. I found a quote this morning that really hit the nail on the head for me, so to speak, and felt compelled to come back to this post and share it with you:
“When thinking about life, remember this: no amount of guilt can solve the past and no amount of anxiety can change the future.”
Wishing you all the best, always!
Thanks so much Taylor. I love that quote!!
Great post! It is definitely easy to over-worry, but its essential to our well-being to let go when necessary. Love your pics too- had to pin a couple! 😉
thanks so much Bri!
What a great post! I often worry too much about things I cannot control, and my boyfriend is even worse than me! I’ll be sharing this with him… thank you!
awesome. hope it helps you both!