31–40 of 83 posts
My favorite tip from the book was to think of the worst case outcome of whatever is stressing you out and to realize that in the grand scheme of things it's probably not that bad.
Point being: create art, which obligates one to develop an inner-confidence in one's own truth. That sense of irrevocable pride can provide one with a sense of certainty in the outcome of one's fate in life. Oh, and it will make one feel good in the process. Because art requires a communal, social, outreach in order for it to create a positive response in other people's lives, their own hidden truths which have just as much significance as yours and are being impacted by a world which is otherwise imperceptible to them - namely your own. :)
I think some of the advice here is quite good, but especially given the title of your question, someone has to point out that there's literally a book on the subject called "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living," by Dale Carnegie. It's a good book. It probably won't solve all your problems without you needing to do some inner work, and I generally recommend meditation as a way to find peace, but also you should read…
It comes down to not worrying about things that are not in your control, focusing on the aspects of life that provide real meaning and enjoyment, and surrounding yourself with people who make you your best self. Among other things.
Yes, it's a book nearing on 80 years old but the advice is solid and timeless, even in these frenetic days.
This is a silly little mindgame but it really does help with worry and stress. You basically flip all worst-case scenarios on their head to see the advantages of whatever situation you're in. Good Game: Good! Now I can .... Eg. My husband is divorcing me. Good! Now I can find someone who loves me deeply and doesn't leave ice cream containers composting on his desk. My upstairs neighbors are hella loud and annoying. G…
5'10 balding male with a micropenis. Good!
One miracle out of three attempts isn't bad, so I'm very happy I gave it a try. For an interesting overview of psychedelic therapy generally, check out "How To Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan.
Take water as one example. It causes trees to grow that we use to build our houses, but it can also cause wood to rot and decay. Water gives life, but it also takes it away. If rot and decay were to disappear, we could not have solid wood to use and enjoy. We can replace rotting wood and rebuild houses when they decay.
Everything will be OK. Both good and bad things are part of life. They need each other.
This is a silly little mindgame but it really does help with worry and stress. You basically flip all worst-case scenarios on their head to see the advantages of whatever situation you're in. Good Game: Good! Now I can .... Eg. My husband is divorcing me. Good! Now I can find someone who loves me deeply and doesn't leave ice cream containers composting on his desk. My upstairs neighbors are hella loud and annoying. G…
Sometimes you can't think of a reason why something is good. Learn how to believe not knowing the reason it's good yet is also a good thing.
Be very careful when doing this with other people's problems. 99.99% of the time if someone else is struggling, it's a mistake to see the good in it. Usually it's best to acknowledge and learn about how the situation is so difficult... say "That really sucks!" and let them be the one to see it as a good thing if they want.
I'd recommend trying daily meditation for a couple weeks, see if it helps you. Otherwise check in with your doctor, you could have anxiety. It's normal to have these feelings every now and then. It's not normal to feel like that all the time.
Yes, do give it a try. You might try the Zencast podcast (free, I am not associated). Just to name a topic, you could give the series on introduction to mindfulness meditation a try. And, perhaps a chat with your doctor is a good idea in any event. Good for you for thinking how to work for the better.
It just feels more realistic, more pragmatic. More grounded in how the world actually is. I really like it.
2) It will. Either you will die an early death, which many would consider bad, or you will live long enough for other bad things to happen.
3) For me, Christianity solved for this. I was an agnostic for over three decades and for various reasons, mostly metaphysical, I became convinced of the necessity of a nonmaterial dimension to reality. I live my life with joy and gratitude in my heart every day. Obviously I think that’s the best path otherwise I wouldn’t follow it. But whatever your conscience and intellect might lead you to, you should ask yourself how your beliefs are shaping your life experience. This isn’t a dress rehearsal.
There are of course many other more or less effective paths to take, ranging from Epicureanism to Stoicism and many more besides. At the end of the day though you either believe some higher power gives your life meaning or it’s on you to give your life meaning.
For what it’s worth procreating makes most of this seem ridiculously childish and irrelevant, but I think one had best sort oneself out before doing that.