Bringing Mae Flowers

I could worry less.

I feel that’s the case for most people right now. Even people without pre-existing anxiety disorders are gripped by constant stress and concern:

“How is the economy doing?”

“Is AI going to take my job?”

“What if I get laid off?”

“Is the United States still a safe place for me and my loved ones?”

No matter what your political leaning, things feel unpredicatble and unstable. And when we don’t know what to expect, it’s natural to feel on edge. A little anxiety can be a good thing; It helps us stay alert and prepare for the future. But too much anxiety is dangerous for our physical, mental, and emotional health. The question is, where is the line.

A couple months ago I joked that I wasn’t sure if I was on the verge of a manic episode, or if I was having completely normal psychological responses to abnormal circumstances. And honestly, I’m still not sure. I can’t deny that I spend a lot of time ruminating about current events and their potential ramifications, but isn’t that normal? It’s important to be informed about the world around us, but when is it too much information?

I know the Stoics will say that we should only worry about things within our control, and I agree to some extent. But I also feel that it’s not enough. That philosophy encourages a level of selfishness and self-isolation that only the most privledge can afford. that I cannot bring myself to commit to.

I really should worry less, because worrying alone won’t solve anything. But worrying less doesn’t mean I should care less. It just means I should focus what I can be doing more.