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Worry is a form of wheel spinning. It wastes energy that could better be 
used to solve the problem we're worrying about. It wastes the time that 
could have been invested in the future. It wastes life because worry 
blankets every spark and flicker of joy. And without joy, what is there to 
live for?

Certainly we have genuine reasons for concern when we get honest with 
ourselves. Some of the tasks we face are far from easy, and we realize now 
that the stakes are too high to avoid them. But concern and worry are very 
different things. Worry is nonproductive and obsessive. Long after concern 
has done all it can, worry is still grinding away,  wheels spinning in the 
sand.

Worry focuses on the things that I can't change, rather than the things that 
I can do something about.

***************
Did you get that? "Some of the tasks we face are far from easy." That would 
probably include eating healthy and being active, despite what you have 
going on this weekend. But worrying will do you no good. Instead, ask 
yourself, "What action can I take?" Do you need to make a big pot of 
low-point soup? To go to the grocery story? To look up points today for the 
restaurant where you're eating tonight? Do you need to ask your partner or 
someone close to you for support in your decision to eat healthier? To write 
down what you had for breakfast this morning? To pack your walking shoes as 
you prepare for your weekend away? Replace your worry with action.


Perhaps your worry has nothing to do with food or eating, but with a 
personal situation that you are tired of dealing with. This may lead to lead 
to frustration, hopelessness, or agitation -- which for us often leads to 
overeating. What is your worry? Maybe a husband who's been grouchy for two 
weeks and is taking it out on you; a wife who just doesn't understand the 
pressure of working two jobs; the kid who used the car and returned it on 
empty. You may have a serious concern about starting some medical treatment 
or a business that seems to be falling apart.


Are these valid concerns? Even if so, what good will worry do? I repeat: 
"Worry is a form of wheel spinning." You need your wheels to grab hold of 
solid ground. What solid action can you take today? What do you need to 
release? What can you focus on that you can do something about?


If you feel like you don't know if the reason for the worry is something you 
can change, or something you need to let go of just for today, then set up a 
series of questions for yourself using the word "allow." Be in tune to your 
gut reactions to the questions.


For example:
I allow myself to continue to think about the situation today.
Or - I allow myself to let go of this situation today.


What answer seemed immediately right to you? Whichever answer seemed right, 
perhaps you could take it one step farther. Such as, I allow myself to think 
about it for an hour and then discuss possible solutions with my partner.
Or - I allow myself the weekend to ponder the situation without making a 
decision.
Or - I allow myself to ground the kids from the car for the weekend
Or - I allow myself to let the kids have the car.
Keep asking until you find an answer that really resonates with you. The 
answers to satisfaction in your life are within you. Can you allow yourself 
to be worry free? Can you allow yourself to eat healthy?  Just for 24 hours? 
Just for today? I hope so.

************
On another note: Thanks to all of you who wrote me with your October goals! 
They were so inspiring. I'll publish some of them next week. I'm still 
waiting to hear from the rest of you.
*************
Please don't skip meetings while I'm gone from WW. The leaders need you in 
order to make it a good meeting - and the other members need you too.  You 
might just hear exactly what you need to hear, also.  Thanks.
*************
Don't forget about my open house this weekend. I have over 120 pieces of art 
on display! Whew! There will be no pressure to buy. Come just to browse and 
visit. I'd love to see you.

Friday, Oct. 4 (7-9  pm)
Saturday, Oct. 5 (Noon-3 pm)
Sunday, Oct. 6 (1-4 pm)

1408 S. Vine, Urbana (between Florida and Pennsylvania, across from Blair 
Park)


Take care,
Sandra



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