Do you ever wish you had a turn-off switch for your mind?  I do.  Whenever I am worried about the outcome of something, or anything really, it can take over my thoughts and relentlessly talk to me.  I have tried, with some success, to quiet my mind by breathing more slowly and deliberately.  And sometimes it works.

However, worry is a powerful emotion once it gets going.  And it is really difficult to get rid of once it takes residence in a person’s mind.  So, what can a person do?  That’s the question.

One thing that works some of the time is distraction.  Think of something that makes you happy.  Concentrate on counting your blessings.  Those things can work for the small worries.  Praying helps me in most situations, but not always.  It can be extremely difficult to do anything once panic hits a nerve and sets in.  

Panic is THE enemy.  Emotions are powerful triggers for so many things.  Being positive is always a good idea, but it’s the least likely attitude to take on, once panic sets in.  

The only thing that works most of the time for me, is when I think of people who have it so much worse than I do.  And then, if I can find some small thing to do that helps any other person, I do it.  There are always opportunities to do something for another person.  And it takes your mind off whatever is bothering you, even if it is just a short time.

The more I think about it, I realize that even thinking about the possibility of different scenarios puts me in a privileged position. When I am busy thinking about these things, I am not in physical danger.  I am just letting myself ruminate.  Unfortunately, I still wish I had a turn-off switch for my mind.