Shoes…oh, how I love shoes! There are so many kinds to choose from – pumps, heels, flats, wedges, sandals and good ‘ole flip flops.

Image courtesy of olovedog/freedigitalphotos.net

My affinity towards this type of accessory probably explains why I also like the expression, “Waiting for the other shoe to drop”. While this saying has nothing to do with footwear, it does evoke the image of a big, heavy work boot (the kind with steel toes) dangling by one frayed shoelace… just waiting to make its descent onto your head.

Ouch!

Now, that is not a good image to live by, but I’m afraid it is so often the case for us square people. I am constantly waiting for “the other shoe” (aka. trouble, hurt, disappointment, frustration, end of the world stuff) to make its appearance. Yes, due to my need to have things go exactly the way I want, I have the tendency to worry that things will not go exactly the way I want. It’s definitely not fun being a worrywart! (And warts on your feet are not comfy for shoes either – I may or may not be speaking from experience, haha.)

So I’ve learned a few things from all my years of worrying that I would like to share with my fellow square folks.

1. Don’t worry! Haha. I’m so kidding. It’s not something that can just be turned off. Instead, worrying needs to be replaced with other things, which brings us to the next point.

2. Remember. It helps me to be mindful of all the blessings I have. When I am grateful, there are a lot fewer reasons for me to be worried. Also, I think of what the Bible says about worrying. As I grow older, I find that Scripture really holds a lot of wisdom. 🙂

Matthew chapter 6:
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Doesn’t verse 34 make you want to laugh?! It’s so true.

3. Have fun! I really have to make a conscious effort to have fun, especially when I find my shoulders subconsciously hunched up and my jaw sore from grinding my teeth. 🙁 Whether it’s listening to upbeat songs, writing or trying out a DIY craft, just spending a few minutes each day doing something enjoyable makes a huge difference to changing my perspective on life.

4. Get out! There is something about the outdoors that is good for your soul. Maybe it’s the vitamin D from the sun or the (somewhat) fresh air, but just being outside and active can bring a smile to my face.

Now check out Donnie McClurkin and Kirk Franklin’s cover of “Ooh Child” to bring a smile to your face. 🙂

What do you do to tame your worrying?