among the Young at Heart: Don't Worry, Be Happy

Worry.. we all do it.. some of us more than others. Me? I'm a professional worrier. Give me troubles and I'll worry about them. Some days I'm plagued with them. It's as if a hungry worry monster was inside me demanding to be fed. It has just always been a part of my life.. something I learned to accept.. a hand I've been dealt.. and for the most part, I've been able to control it. But my life changed thirteen months ago.. well, rather thirteen + nine months ago - motherhood (thats right, for all of you who didn't know, 1. motherhood really begins when you become pregnant & 2. I was not dealt the hand of good math) It was like a whole new world for me. All new things to worry about. Let's put it this way, my worry monster was satiated. (or to put it in layman's terms.. he was STUFFED) Now, a mother's worries are simply Nature's way of protecting her children.. and I'm grateful for them. But, some days I would even worry about worrying. The road's been lonng, and though it continues, I'm starting to feel like I have a grip on things.. I've always hated that term "grip on things".. the words firm, tight, tense come to mind.. sounds like more worrying to me, folks. So, let's go with - I'm starting to feel some relief from the worries (I'm sure if you ask my husband he would not concur, but it sounds good to me) Where was I? Oh yes, worrying less & living more.. I mean, who has time to enjoy anything when you're worrying about something else? Where did all those worries go, you ask? Well, in the wise words of Miss O'Hara, "I can't think about [them] right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about [them] tomorrow." Scarlett may not have been the brightest or the most stable, but I think she had something there. Now don't get me wrong, your troubles should always be talked about because, as many of us know, when we don't discuss something that's bothering us, it has a way of manifesting itself into the rest of our lives (a troubles monster, if you will). We think by not talking about an issue, it's going to go away, but actually the opposite happens. So, by talking about it, you inevitably take away the monster's power.. or appetite (just go with it) But your worries? They'll always be there.. today, tomorrow, whenever you want (and when you don't want) and they won't. change. a. thing.

My suggestion? Make like a 19th century southern belle & R.E.L.A.X. put your feet up. watch an episode of I Love Lucy. have a glass of wine.. or two.. or three.. Or, do what I like to do when I'm down, enjoy the little boy that tugs at my heart strings..

So, for your viewing pleasure, here's a look at that little boy, a sunny day & a big open field (almost big enough to fit all of his energy, happiness, curiosity & of course, my pride :) Enjoy!