December 2020

It’s the last lap of the year and you will agree with me that it has been a pretty unusual one on every level. A lot has gone down through the course of the year – from the emergence of the deadly Coronavirus with its crippling effect on nearly every sphere of human interaction to the high number of prominent death and the many other lives lost, to the multiple natural disasters experienced in various parts of the world, and a host of other occurrences. It’s been a long ride thus far.

For many, it stands as the worst year ever, and the few that can’t relate with this group would also admit that it’s been one hell of a year regardless. Personally, although a lot of people had it worse than I did, I was also dealt with a fair share of the piece.

Amidst all the chaos, it is very easy for our minds to ponder upon all the negative happenings around us and naturally slide into a state of anxiety and worry in response. I’m not so conversant with the neurological process behind this phenomenon but I am sure science has some explanation for it.

Well, for the purpose of this discussion, we will not be considering the scientific aspect of the topic, but rather the psychological implications attached to it.

What is Joy?

Before we discuss the issue of worry, it is important that we consider the phenomenon of joy and why we need to cultivate it. It is common practice to use the terms “joy” and “happiness” interchangeably, but are they really the same thing? I think not…

Happiness can be defined as a feeling of contentment or satisfaction. By this definition, happiness is more of a reaction. It abounds in the abundance of pleasant experiences and is lacking in the absence of such. Happiness is transient.

Joy, on the other hand, is a state of the heart. It is a mental posture we assume that insulates us from external factors such as worry and fear. It is more like a defense mechanism in that sense. Given the aforestated meanings of both terms, I believe it is apparent why we need to constantly maintain a joyful state.

Sustaining your Joy

It is popular knowledge that the state of our minds influences outcomes even though some folks are of a contrary opinion. Well, regardless of what opinion you uphold, you will agree with me that we tend to function more productively and effectively when our minds are free from any sort of worry. A worry-free mind gives room for relevant thoughts to flourish and thus we are better primed to achieve results.

Worry is that extra baggage that impedes progress. It is like a huge mass of iron tied to one’s legs that makes every effort to advance much more difficult. Imagine trying to move with a ball the size of an elephant fastened to your leg… possible, but difficult. And you know what is even sadder? Worry doesn’t proffer any solutions whatsoever, it rather worsens the issue.

At this juncture, permit me to quote a verse from the Holy Bible:
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” – Matthew 6:27 (NIV)
A rhetorical, yet valid question. Whenever I catch myself tending towards worry, I take some time to reflect on this verse (amongst others) and consciously deny its plea to be hosted in my mind.

Why do we worry?

As humans, our minds are structured to search out everything that isn’t in order in our lives and process it until a solution is found. And in cases where it struggles to sort things out, it quickly fires off the alarm of worry as an indicator that something is still unresolved. This is the default procedure and applies to any matter arising that crosses the mind.

Now, how do we reroute this system to foster joy instead of worry?

Be Anxious for Nothing

Having mentioned that worry stems from processing the things that aren’t going well around us, it seems logical to deal with the problem by dealing with the cause. Instead of giving thoughts to what isn’t going right, take some time out to count your blessings. A quick reminder of all that has gone right before now puts your mind at ease and restores some positivity, no matter how difficult a situation might be. Such counteractions would require some intentionality, but anything to free us from the weight of worry is worth the effort.

Another way I deal with anxiety/worry is by saying a word of prayer.
Now, this is subjective to your faith, but it really does work like magic for me. A quick prayer brings about a sense of relief and control over whatever it is I am seemingly worried about and restores my joy as well. I’d quickly refer to another verse of the scripture.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (NIV).

Former American President, Theodore Roosevelt once said and I quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. I would say WORRY IS THE ROBBER OF JOY. It snatches it away if you aren’t intentional about guarding it as you would a treasure – it is indeed a treasure so treat it as such.

What are you worried about and how are you dealing with it?