WHEN 20% OF MY LIFE CAUSES 80% OF MY WORRIES By Pennie Hunt

I try not to worry. I really do. I believe that worrying is a negative meditation. When we meditate, we either try to clear our minds or concentrate on something that creates a calm space.
Worrying is the opposite. By thinking of a worrisome situation, we create a space that multiplies the worry. Most of the time, we are worrying about something we have no control over. Or we worry about things that are not that big of a deal, but by repeating the scenario in our mind, we are essentially training our brain to dwell in chaos.  

So, I try not to worry.

Today, as I thought about how people worry, the 80/20 rule came to mind. In simple terms, the 80/20 rule is the concept that approximately 80% of outcomes come from about 20% of your effort. You can adapt this rule to many things in life, so let’s talk about it in terms of worrying.

Our list of worries, the ones we repeat to ourselves over and over and allow them to grow into giant worries, probably sprout from 20% of our lives. That means 80% of our lives are moving along in a good way. Maybe even in a splendid way.

Make a list of what you are worried about right now. Everyone has a different list. We worry about our children and families, our jobs, our bills, our pets, our health… this could go on in many ways and directions. And it could change moment by moment and day by day.

Now, let’s look at what is going well in your life. How many family members and friends do you have who are happy? Do you have a home to live in? Do you have a job? Is your health good? Does your dog run to see you when you walk in the door? Do you have shoes to wear and food to eat? Can you see, hear, touch, taste, and experience life? This list could go on in many ways and directions too. But I feel like this will be a longer list.

Now take an honest look at your life. I suspect that by stepping back and taking a reality check of the big picture, you have a lot to be thankful for and a lot that is splendid in your life. The worries come from a small percentage of your life. You may have one family member struggling, but the rest of your friends and family are doing well. You may be unhappy with one part of your job or one coworker, but the rest of your job is fine. When you analyze your life, those worries come from a small percentage- let’s say 20%- of your life. The other 80% is pretty great.

And when you look at the worries that you have absolutely no control over, they are probably causing you the most anxiety. If you could control them, you would be taking the steps to change the situation. Taking action lightens the worry. So, if you can’t control it, release it.

You might be thinking, " Oh, that is easy for her to say, her life is perfect.​" But let me set that thought straight. We are all human, and every one of us has that 20% in our life that can consume us in worry. Even me. Perspective is all about what you focus on, and what you focus on is your choice.

So here is the question… are you going to allow 20% of your life to cause you anxiety? Or are you going to concentrate on the 80% of your life that creates happiness, peace, and joy?
It is up to you, but the answer seems simple to me.
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                                                     Pennie’s Life Lesson:
                                 Perspective is a choice of what you focus on. 
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​YOUR TURN...        
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