Don’t Worry, Be Happy

This is the title of a popular song from a number of years ago. If you look online you can watch Bobby McFerrin’s Official Video. It has had more than 145 million views. That’s a lot of people being happy, or at least wanting to be.

I am a pragmatist, which means I’m always thinking about practical ways to implement good ideas.

For many years I have tried to live accordingly. Whenever I start to worry about something, I ask myself the question:  “Can I do anything about this right now?”  If I can, I do.  If not – then I immediately stop worrying.  This might sound impossible, but everyone can do it with practice.  And if you can’t do it perfectly – don’t worry.  Even a little more happiness is a blessing.

Many years ago I woke up at 4:30 am worrying about a business problem.  It bothered me a lot, but I realized that I actually could do something about it. So I climbed out of bed, got ready for work, and drove to my office in the dark.  As it turned out, an hour later one of my apartment managers called the office to leave me a message about the same problem. She was startled when I answered the phone at 5:45 am.  Together we were able to work out a solution.  I stopped worrying.

My dad had a theory that we should not allow our bodies to experience stress below the neck.  When I was with him he seemed to be in a good mood virtually all of the time.  He also ate whatever he wanted (and his favorite restaurant was a buffet). Since he lived to be 104, perhaps he was on to something.

I have a friend Betsy who worries much of the time.  If a doctor performs tests and doesn’t call her within a few hours she assumes she is going to die.  For Betsy, and many others, worrying, and expecting the worst, is a way of life, and changing this pattern will take time and practice.  One technique is to “change the subject” in your mind and instead of worrying (when you can’t do anything about it) remind yourself of a pleasant experience, or something you are grateful for.  Recent research clearly shows that feeling gratitude is one of the best and most reliable ways to feel happy.

I’ll confide to you that early this morning I began to worry about completing my blog in time to post it.  So I took action – I began to write.  Now that problem is solved – at least for the time being.

Of course, there is always next week…

Alan