E18: Breaking the Worry Cycle

How much of your day do you spend worrying about things that haven’t happened and may never happen? Whether it’s your health, your family, money, or what comes next, worry can pull you away from the present and leave you feeling emotionally drained.

In this episode of The Intentional Pause, Dr. Chris opens up about her own struggles with worrying. She shares the practices she uses to recognize the feelings beneath worry, how to separate facts from fearful assumptions, and identify what is within your control. Discover practical ways to loosen worry’s grip, focus on what you can influence and control, and bring your attention back to what matters today.

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Pause with Purpose Moment

For today’s Pause with Purpose, I want you to think about something you’ve been worrying about lately.

Maybe it’s your work, your health, your family, a relationship, money, or a decision you need to make.

Now ask yourself:

“Is what I’m worried about actually happening right now—or am I worrying about what might happen?”

Then ask:

“What part of this is actually within my control today?”

Choose one small action you can take.

And if there isn’t an action to take, practice giving yourself permission to put the worry down—for now. (put it in that mind box we talked about)

And here’s one final question:

You’ve spent all this time asking, “What if something goes wrong?”

We always “what if” in the negative – did you ever notice that?

Pause.

And ask yourself:

“But what if it works out?”

“Don’t let what might happen tomorrow steal what is happening today.”

Though we would love to run and catch them, we have to let the people we love stumble and fall. In this way, they can get back up, and without any nudging from us, go on to choose the best path for them.