Stop Borrowing Trouble

Happy Tuesday 🙂

I think I'll start sending my weekly emails out on Tuesday, not just because I procrastinate, but because it feels more genuine to wish you happiness when you're at least one day into the week.

Also, this giph really did it for me..

Last week, one of my clients mentioned during our meeting that she wasn't going to "borrow trouble" in reference to something that has been worrying her.

It has been a minute since I heard that phrase, and it really stuck with me.

Though I wouldn't classify myself as a Buddhist, there are many principles of Buddhism that I have found really helpful over the years. In particular when I was sitting in the hospital for 8 days, waiting to find out if I had cancer.

There is a philosophy that thinking is the root cause of suffering; that it's not always external events that cause our suffering, but the emotional reactions driven by our thoughts and interpretations of events, not the event themselves.

If you've ever reached out and not heard back from someone, told yourself the story that they were mad at you and then found out later they were just busy, you borrowed trouble. (I'm really good at this one).

I spent a lot of time in my head while I was in the hospital, and tried focusing more on what I knew to be true in the moment - I was safe, receiving good care, healthy coming into the situation - than what a diagnosis might mean.

Mind you, I was probably 50/50 on succeeding, but the reminders helped.

But I would say my default mode is more along the borrowing trouble lines.

We live in a time now where there is plenty of trouble, and plenty more opportunity to borrow it. There is a lot that going on that can feel all consuming.

And I don't mean that we should put our head in the sand and pretend the world doesn't feel like a dumpster fire right now; but it can be helpful to ground yourself in the present.

Go out and get some sunshine.

Press your feet into the earth.

Pet your dog or cat or chinchilla

Watch this mouse eat a carrot. You're welcome.

If you're interested in learning more about mindfulness, one of my favorite books of all time is "Wherever You Go, There You Are," by Jon Kabat-Zinn. It's a very quick read, with short chapters, and bullet points to help you stay present.

Also, my most recent podcast with Dr. Amy Wood is all about doing a technology audit to help you create more time in your day, and perhaps some more mental and emotionally space. You can check it out below.

Here's hoping you're able to borrow less trouble this week.