subject: Begin It: Lessons On Worrying From Junior High Math [print this page] I like newsletters, too, and I subscribe to an e-newsletter called Notes from the Universe. I'd heard from others that it offers positive daily reminders that "life is what you make it," as my Aunt Mary used to say.
The "Notes" are actually pretty amazing. When you sign up, you can answer questions about yourself, and the notes are somewhat personalized. Some days I think the author's reading my mind or grew up in my family.
Monday morning, for instance, the note read: As you always have, Judy, you're going to find, yet again and forevermore, that the hard and difficult stuff only ever seemed hard and difficult before you began it.
And I was reminded of a moment with my dad when I was about twelve years old. It was early September, and I was previewing my junior high math book, fretting about how hard it looked. My dad came over and said not to worry because by the time I needed to know the answers to the math problems I was looking at, I would have the skill to figure them out. He said learning would take place and when the time came, answering the questions would seem easy.
I worry a lot, and about some pretty insignificant things. I was worrying about some future event when that "Note" flashed across my computer screen and I remembered Dad saying it would be okay. When the time comes, I will be prepared. I will know what to do, and it will seem easy. And maybe even fun.
What are you worrying about today? Maybe it only seems difficult because you haven't begun it yet.
Are you spending too much time in the future (or the past)? Take a deep breath right now, smile inwardly (and outwardly) and treasure this ki moment.
Why do we spend so much time in the past or the future? What is wrong with this moment? I think I'll practice presence today. How about you?
