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
