Anxiety is the norm these days. Over 20% of the USA today has an anxiety disorder; anyway you cut it 60 million people is a lot of anxiety. There are minor reasons why people get anxious; like me after the ND – VA Tech game this Fall when I chewed my finger nails into bloody stumps. There are better reasons why people get anxious, like if a loved one gets a serious illness. The challenge with a serious illness like cancer is that you don’t know for sure whether it will get under control or possibly come back. That without a doubt keeps people up at night. I don’t think, however, you can eliminate all anxiety over future illness since many of us have constant reminders on us like scar tissue. I have over 3 feet of surgical scars that I see in the mirror every morning, so I can’t pretend cancer happened to someone else. Besides, I quit worrying how I looked in a bikini after the 1st twenty sutures. Scars, however, are history lessons from the past while anxiety is worry about the future that hasn’t happened yet. My recipe for reducing anxiety is to shrink the big worries and get rid of the small ones. The best way to flush the small problems is cutting the technology cord and go outside. This is tough; how can we possibly live without Twitter, CNN, Fox News, and Facebook goading everyone to throw rocks at each other? Go outside. When my sons were in high school we took a Spring trip to the Grand Canyon and lodged near the ridge overnight. Almost like at home, they were busy inside the cabin internet surfing and chatting online. It took an act of God to pry them off their phones to come outside and see the skyline. Once they were outside, however, they were stunned by the majesty of the stars. Within moments they were whispering to each other in awe on how serene the lights were. Big stuff for teenagers. I’ve sensed the same thing whenever I’ve passed through the Smokies, kayaked in the Everglades, or hiked in the Adirondacks. No matter what was bothering me in my life at the time I’ve been able to leave it behind in the wilderness before coming back. Last week we were camping overnight on a nearby Florida barrier island for Dillon and David’s birthday. Towards sunset Diane and I sat along an empty shore line, stared out at the endless horizon, and breathed in Nature at its finest. For those short moments we had absolutely no anxiety about anything. On returning from camping I know I still have big ticket items under my belt, but they are more manageable now that I left the smaller anxieties behind for Nature to absorb. Peace.
Peace
Wonderful advice! I love reading your blog…. But I can’t get the bikini image out of my head! Spectacular photography on the beach at night! The beautiful outdoors and nature such bigger things than us! Happy birthday to the boys, my how time flies☘️☘️☘️
You are certainly a voice of reason Peter. I wish you well always and think of you and Diane often. Though I have never been through what you have, healthwise, I totally agree that nature is the answer to peace and reducing anxiety. I have great faith in God (made all sacraments at St. Mary’s) but they go hand in hand, as it is His work that brings us that peace. Most of us are guilty of too much technology in our lives. Your wisdom is appreciated and did not fall on deaf ears. God bless you.
Louann, thank you for the nice comments and reflections. Although St. Mary’s was a long time ago for me, I have fond memories of the Church and School. A special place for sure. Pete
I loved this! I have always been an outdoor person. COVID changed which buildings I go into and what days or time of day. Now that I am 70 I don’t walk in Winter as much. It IS hard to leave the cell home when I go. But I’m working on it.
Lois, I used to be tied to the cell phone, but I’ve started leaving home more often. It’s liberating since most of the time when I come back I don’t have any calls. Pete
Since the pandemic started I have had anxiety building like never before. My dog has made me go outside way more than his normal two a day walks.
We have used the local park to start our days and I enjoy watching him stalk rabbits and listen to the countless birds. I have seen way more sun rises than I ever thought I would as I am not a morning person. And when we get to the part of the boardwalk that splits left and right…. I let my dog choose the path we take. For those times outside, nature gives me peace.
Our pets often know better than us
Once again ..your insite on this world of ours is heart felt …Thank you for sharing your words and your world with us..🍀
Thanks for reading Margi!
Wonderful outlook!
Many times Id go outside to decompress. Raising six children definitely kept my mind busy. Especially the “what if’s “
We spent lots of time camping , hiking, fishing, swimming and just sitting around a fire. It worked to keep us all focused!
Janet, thanks for reading!
⭐️ Wonderful advice ⭐️