Feng Shui and clear-the-clutter books warn against reading
while purging. The 18-year old grad school psych note I wrote about de-cluttering
resurfaces every now and then. Number two on the list: “Keep going. Don’t stop
to READ the papers.” But, that 3x5 card was stuck in another drawer that I
needed to empty.
So, I did it. I stopped to read handfuls of torn scraps of
paper, saved birthday greetings, faded notes on the backs of business cards, and
glossy guarantees for luggage bought long ago.
That’s when I re-discovered a Chinese proverb I’d scribbled
onto the back of a list of questions to ask my doctor at the next appointment.
The proverb must have struck me when I wrote it down, probably a dozen years
ago. Its message strikes me again today.
That the birds of
worry and care
Fly about your head,
This you cannot
change.
But that they build
Nests in your hair,
This you can
prevent.
For sure, there is plenty to worry about in this life: our children (no
matter their age); the drought, floods, earthquakes; what’s for dinner; our
knees and whether we can keep putting knee replacement surgery off; our friends
moving away to be near their grandkids; making it through airport security
without a hassle; whether the car will last another year. The list is
interminable.
So, the Chinese proverb is right. The worrisome stuff will show up. But
we don’t have to let it consume or paralyze us. Especially if it’s something we
cannot control. Let it come in, give it a little time, and let it fly away.
Let’s say “no” to over-worrying and say “yes” to ourselves. Allow issues
to float away so we can experience the joy and positivity the world has to
offer. So we can return to doing some of the things we love to do. We can’t let
worries use up today.
What worry might you let go?
~ xoA ~
Image from thinkstockphoto.co.uk
always "get" something from your writings... thank you Annis and hope u won't stop DayMaker any time soon!
ReplyDeleteThat's so kind of you to say, Shari. When I started the DayMaker, I hoped to bring helpful, enlightening, or uplifting ideas to readers. As writers, we always wonder if anyone is reading. I'm glad you're "getting something". Hugs and thanks, xoA
DeleteThank you for writing and sharing, Juan. You know, that we occasionally need to be reminded of this is true for all of us. I've found it so in my life. Sometimes it takes longer than other times to remember and move on, but it happens, sometimes before I even know it has . Hugs and thanks, dear one. xoA
ReplyDeleteSometimes "reading the papers" is more important than finishing the organizing...at least for the time. I love going through memorabilia and remembering the meaningful events from the past. And your lesson about worry is so important. As some of the others have said, we DO need this reminder...more often than I would like to admit!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely of the "reading the papers" persuasion. Today, Judy went through our music CD collection. Next, I go through it. Oh, I know some cover reading and nostalgia are in my future. But -- I'm not going to worry about it! Thanks for writing and sharing your take, Joan! xoA
DeleteI love rereading old notes! That doesn't mean I can't let them go, but it does sometimes give me something at just the right moment, just like your note did here. What would I let go of worrying about? My daughter's choice of boyfriend. Gotta let that go. She's 21. I have to trust that she will figure out what is right for her.
ReplyDeleteKathleen, thanks for writing and sharing your experience. I love reading old notes, too, and had numerous chances for nostalgia on this recent de-cluttering. Some I could part with and others made it to the next round.
DeleteYou are absolutely right about letting go of worry about our kids' choices. We can't control any of that, and when we try to, we push them away from us. If that happens, we may not be available for them when they need us. What I've learned is the teachings and values I've instilled and they've adopted always hold them in good stead. xoA