Worry - the Real Enemy

What does it mean to worry? The Latin concept of worry describes anturbulent force within a person. Worry is a heart and mind in turmoil.nnThe ancient Greeks thought of worry as something that tears a personnin two and drags that person in opposite directions. It is likenopposing forces in deadly conflict within the very being of thenindividual.nnThe word "worry" itself comes from an old Anglo-Saxon term meaning tonchoke, or strangle, and that is exactly what it does - it chokes thenjoy of living wage right out of its victim. And it chokes off thenenergy to improve one's condition.nnThere is a place for healthy concern, but too often our concern turnsninto fearful worry. And worry, more than the problem, becomes our realnenemy.nnSome people have worried for so long that they have become good at it.nJust as we can become good at any attitude or behavior if we practicenit enough, we can also become good at worrying. Worry is habit - anhabitual response to life's problems.nnI rather like the attitude of the late United Methodist Bishop Welch.nWhen he reached the age of 101, he was asked if he didn't think a lotnabout dying. With a twinkle in his eye, he replied, "Not at all! Whennwas the last time you heard of a Methodist bishop dying at 101?" Maybenone reason for his longevity is that he never developed the habit ofnworry.nnNext time you feel yourself worrying, be like the frogs - they eatnwhat bugs them. Decide to no longer practice needless worry andninstead practice peace. Replace your habit of fearful worry with thenhabit of courageous action. As Harvey Mackey has said, "Good habitsnare as addictive as bad habits and a lot more rewarding." Practicenjoy. Practice faith. And practice courage. Soon your life will be toonrich and full for worry.