Are you a planner or a worrier?

What is the difference?

I’m a worrier, trying to be a planner. I imagine what could go wrong so I can plan for when that happens. I suppose I should say “if” it happens. My worries seldom happen. Instead, things happen that I could never have imagined.

But, as Leo Buscaglia said, “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”

A therapist said to me, “Worry is modern man’s voo-doo.”

I get that.

“Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.”– Erma Bombeck

Well, as I sit and rock, I could plan what I would do if my worries came true.

“When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened.” – Winston Churchill

So where does that leave us? Some writers play the “what-if” game all the time. They get some of their best ideas that way.

I think we need to know when our worry-thinking disables us and when our worry-thinking helps us.

It’s good to have a plan if an immediate evacuation becomes necessary, such as having a to-go bag ready to go at a moment’s notice. And having an emergency kit easily accessible is a good plan.

Being positive can help worriers. Not dwelling on “something bad is bound to happen.” But rather, be prepared.

Part of that preparation might be positive thinking for mental health.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller

In times of difficulty, or chaos, “look for the helpers,” as Mr. Rogers said.

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” Audrey Hepburn

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” — Maya Angelou

What’s your takeaway today?

Are you going to worry or are you going to plan?

I’ll probably do a little of both.

The Write Spot: Writing as a Path to Healing has a wonderful self-care section, positive planning for mental health and physical well-being.