I used to be the eternal worry wart, and feel that I came by it honest, as my Grandmother never seemed to be “happy” unless she has something or someone to be worried about. Spending so much time worrying really kept me in a place of discontent and anxiety. Somewhere along the way I decided to LET IT GO! I don’t know exactly when or how it happened but I do know that life has been MUCH more enjoyable since I made the conscious decision to end my worrying habit.

That may sound like either an interesting or impossible statement, “end my worrying habit“, but truly worry is a HABIT! It can be broken just as any other habit like biting your nails or snapping your gum. Our minds are trained to worry and expect the worst, and guess what! Most of the time, the MAJORITY of the time, the worst never comes to pass. Therefore, a great deal of time, energy, and joy are lost over something that didn’t need to be a concern to begin with.

The rule of thumb when it comes to replacing an old habit with a new is that it takes 21 days of conscious change. That isn’t too extreme! Here is a simple way to make the most of every day and reform your thought process to a positive and healthy outlook.

Take a moment to write down what you worry about each day. Make a list and leave yourself space to write after each item. Next, begin at the top of your list and really think about the root cause for the worry. For example, if you are worried about a bill, write down the underlying cause of the worry. Do you need more income or is it simply something that is weighing on your mind? Next, write out a step that you can take to change the situation. Finding an additional income stream for example, which can boost you to a different place financially. After you have written out the concern and then recorded an action step, let the worry surrounding the issue go.

Next, look at your list again and see which of the items are really something that you don’t have to be worried about at all. For example, your car “possibly” breaking down or even an issue with a friend or family member. Many times we hold concerns in our minds that may never come to pass or aren’t really an issue to begin with.

Each time you find yourself slipping into the pattern of worry, write down your concern and mentally allow yourself to think of something positive instead. This will begin the path to forming new habits in your thought processes. After 21 days of this new approach you will find that it becomes easier and easier to change your patterns of worry and anxiety.

Whatever tools work for you, know that much of the negative thoughts that run through your mind are simply shadows of things that may never happen! Don’t allow your days to be robbed of the joy that you deserve. Take the process once step at a time and enjoy the shift that takes place! Your heart, mind and even your body will be happier, healthier and thank you for letting go!

You can DO IT!