The saying is often attributed to Albert Einstein, though there is no definitive source confirming the saying, I recently heard it again whilst watching the BBC's "The Turkish Detective" . The quote suggests that one's mental and emotional state, rather than physical age, defines one's vitality and outlook on life.
I wonder if you are a worrier or a hoper, I am, I think, both ?
I think its different for people of different ages. For those growing up, worries are in the future, hopes and dreams abound. Influenced by inspirational events and people who come into their lives. For those who are parents there is is the worry of change, the empty nest and safety of their children and hopes that they will do better in life than you.
In the quiet moments of our daily lives, when we are older and the world slows down we might find ourselves reflecting, and it is common to feel the tug of both worry and hope.
The facts of these reflections are influenced by worry and hope which drive one's actions and future choices. While worries can sometimes cloud our minds, hopes have a way of lighting our path forward. Keeping in mind the influence of this month's blog release. I saw this earlier last week and it made me think about all the things we worry about in our changing world where you might make a difference.
Its a year, coming up, since I went through a prostate cancer removal operation. Health scares are one of the most personal and pressing concerns for many people of my age and the general effect of illnesses affects the worry of good health and fitness.
So we worry about our own health and that of our loved ones and in an era where mental health awareness is rising, there's also growing concern about managing stress, anxiety, and overall mental well-being. With more people working from home since the pandemic of 2019/20 and the lasting effect of Covid19 brings in new worries of whether going back to the office would be more beneficial than living with loneliness of home life 24/7.
QUESTIONS
Money, often labelled as a necessary evil, is a common source of anxiety. Whether it’s about making ends meet, managing debt, or saving for future goals, financial worries can be persistent. The instability of job markets and the rising cost of living only add to this burden, making financial security a top priority for many.
We worry about the well-being of our families, the strength of our friendships, and the stability of our romantic relationships.
Amidst these worries, hope serves as a powerful differentiator. For me it’s the one force that keeps me moving forward, aspiring for better days.
While worries can sometimes feel overwhelming, they also prompt us to take action, make necessary changes, and prepare for potential challenges. On the other hand, hope provides the motivation and optimism needed to pursue our dreams and navigate life's uncertainties with resilience.
When I am down, I tend to listen to uplifting songs - here are a few of my chosen songs.
- "Why Worry" by Dire Straits is a soothing and reflective song that offers reassurance and comfort amidst life's challenges. The lyrics convey a sense of calm and hope, suggesting that worries are temporary and that better times are ahead.
- "Worry" by Jack Garratt delves into the emotions of anxiety and self-doubt. It reflects on how these feelings can affect a person's mental state and interactions with the world. However, the song also gently encourages acceptance and understanding, suggesting that these worries are a normal part of life and can be faced with resilience and self-compassion.
- In 2018, Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes released “In My Blood.” The song comes from his self-titled album and explores themes of struggle, anxiety, and vulnerability. The lyrics showcase the inner turmoil and battles that the singer experiences. From the words, we can tell he’s going through self-doubt and being overwhelmed. He feels “like the walls are caving in,” leaving him hopeless sometimes. But while he goes through these dark times, he also recognizes he needs help and is not afraid to seek it. He’s looking for someone to help him and give him a hand to pull him out of the dark.
Getting out of the dark and getting away from all the problems, the world deals us brings in hope, I guess Paul McCartney summed it up in a word "deliverance". He wrote Hope of Deliverance, in his attic to get some peace and quiet and the song's central theme is the hope for a better future. It's a reminder that even in our toughest moments, the light of hope can guide us toward a brighter tomorrow, encouraging us to keep believing in the possibility of positive change and resilience.
Poem - Questions and Answers
One worries, is it really true
Feeling down about the things you do
Reflecting, what am I doing, surely there is more
A job, a life am I the bore?
Am I going under, I question and….hope
Something positive is here, I CAN cope
Allow the healing, when you need it
Be proud of yourself, relax, sit
Discover beauty in the simple, with innermost pride,
Be a wonder, if you can, let each moment be your guide.
Embrace the calm, savour the freedom that stays,
Cast worry aside, and hope for brighter days.
Not quite the end
Baby, I see this world has made you sad
Some people can be bad
The things they do, the things they say
But baby, I'll wipe away those bitter tears
I'll chase away those restless fears
That turn your blue skies into grey
Why worry?
There should be laughter after pain
There should be sunshine after rain
These things have always been the same
So why worry now?
Why worry now?
Baby, when I get down I turn to you
And you make sense of what I do
You know, it isn't hard to say
But baby, just when this world seems mean and cold
Our love comes shining red and gold
And all the rest is by the way
Why worry?
There should be laughter after pain
There should be sunshine after rain
These things have always been the same
So, why worry now?
Why worry now?