I’m not someone who goes with the flow easily, and yet it is when I am in the flow that I feel most alive and happy.
You see I worry, I worry a lot.
I worry about my choices and my actions and what they are creating.
I worry about the future my children will have, I worry about the type of person they will grow up to be.
I worry about not working hard enough, long enough and doing enough.
I even worry about when the washing will get done and when and what we’re having for dinner.
Worry is a daily grind in my mind.
When I worry, I want to control. I want to make rules and add structure. I want to shape the future as if it’s putty in my hands.
Recently we became a foster family for a happy little puppy. He’s living with us for 15 months before beginning his adult training. Our job is easy, to socialise him and have fun.
He’s adorable, curious, energetic and very cheeky.
The one question I am continually asked is how will I feel when we give him back? I don’t know is always my answer.
I do know I’m not wasting one precious moment with him worrying about the future.
I’m not making rules and trying to control the fun we have with him, because I am worried about the habits he may form. I’m simply enjoying him and going with the flow.
I don’t worry when I see him race through the house with a toilet roll unraveling behind him. I smile, laugh and then call the kids to come see.
I don’t worry when he climbs in the shower with my daughter flicking water all over the bathroom. Instead I enjoy the squeals of laughter as the kids then chase him through the house.
I don’t leave him home thinking I’ll take him out another day, instead I watch him gallop along beside me and know how limited and special it is.
I’m consciously and continually absorbing the happiness he brings to our lives, without excessive worry.
Worry is about the future and we won’t have him forever.
And yet what is forever?
Worry and control rob you of life’s simplest pleasures, wonderful moments filled with happiness and ease.
Enjoy what you have now, there’ll be a day when time runs out.
A day when routines and structure cannot bring moments with people back.
A day when your tidy house feels lonely and quiet.
A day when you have ticked all the boxes and are too old and sick to take that amazing trip.
You see nothing is forever and yet we live each day as if it is.
Life is short, so lean in to your ‘happy puppy’ moments each and every day.
Enjoy them, savour them and create more.
Say yes to laughter and no to worry.
This is your one great life and today is the day to begin leading it fabulously.
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