Overcoming Chronic Worry: A Guide to Guiding Your Higher Self

Worry is a pervasive issue that plagues many of us, from the minutiae of everyday life to larger, more existential concerns. Chronic worry can be all-consuming, leading to a sense of being out of order in our lives. But what if we could change this pattern and cultivate a more balanced existence? By invoking our higher self and conducting a regular internal audit, we can regain control and manage our worrying effectively.

Understanding Chronic Worry

When faced with issues such as being out of shape or a disorganized home, actions are taken to address these problems. Similarly, when our lives feel out of order due to chronic worry, it is time to call upon our inner higher self. This process is akin to a company conducting a board meeting: it involves auditing issues, identifying problems, and creating a clear plan with goals and objectives. This helps hold you accountable and responsible as you regularly monitor and assess your progress.

The Role of the Higher Self

Your higher self is the guiding force, but it is often overshadowed by the more primitive areas of the brain that operate in fear and irrationality. These primitive impulses fight with the higher self for control, as they have become a comfort zone. Commitment to self-discipline, vigilance, fortitude, courage, and truth is necessary, as your more primal self will fight against these changes. In many ways, chronic worry can be seen as an addiction: it may have worked for you in the past or continue to do so in a dysfunctional way. Recognizing this can provide the motivation to make the necessary changes.

“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

A Thought Experiment in Perspective

To gain perspective, consider a thought experiment. Imagine the most pressing things you stress about: money, children, work, relationships, etc. Now, visualize a separate reality. In this reality, you have just been diagnosed with an aggressive terminal cancer with weeks or months to live. This moment would flatten out into a perpetual moment, making every experience infinitely precious. From this vantage point, the daily stresses of life, no matter how significant they may seem, would appear negligible.

Reflect on how this 'sick version' of yourself would view the trivialities of your current life. They would likely see you worrying about minor issues like a cell phone bill or arguments with your spouse and wonder, "Are you crazy? Do you know what I'd give to be in your shoes?"

Implementing Change

This thought experiment is not meant to minimize the importance of addressing real problems but rather to draw perspective in the grand scheme of life. It underscores the fact that many of the concerns we dwell on are not as critical as they may seem in the face of more pressing, life-changing events. Engaging in this grim exercise can help you realize that most problems are far less life-ending than they initially appear.

To implement these changes effectively, start by identifying and acknowledging the root causes of your chronic worry. Then, set clear goals and objectives. Regularly monitor and assess your progress, holding yourself accountable for the changes you wish to make. Remember, the journey is not easy, but with determination and the support of your higher self, you can overcome chronic worry and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.