Even the most Positive Pollys among us are guilty of getting wrapped up in the dangerous cycle of worrying about the little things. It happens to the best of us; it's inevitable. I bet you even Lauren Conrad has a bad hair day from time to time. (You never know.)
So, I rallied up a few of my strongest soldiers — 10, in fact — upon whom I call when I just can't seem to shake the worries:
10. Will it matter one year from now?
Gram often asks me this question when I'm driving myself crazy over a car bill or a cast list, my jealousy of T-Swift, my complete lack of a love life, something at work or whatever else it may be.
Realistic or irrational, the answer is almost always “no.” Unless Timehop is able to reproduce unconditional feelings, then no, whatever is bothering you today will likely not bother your year-older self.
9. Britney Spears made it through 2007.
I know this saying has been around for a while, and I am by no means claiming its origin. But, every now and then, when I find myself treading overly-dramatic waters, I envision that trending picture of bald Britney.
Suddenly, I know I, too, will make it through.
8. Your heart is beating, isn't it?
A healthy body is a privilege denied to many. Don't let ungratefulness affect the health of your mind and spirit.
7. You can always get a new haircut.
If all else fails, and you can't seem to shake the daily worries, go to the salon and get a fresh cut. You will emerge revitalized and ready to take life by the balls all over again.
6. You're really not alone.
Everyone sweats the small stuff. EVERYONE. You know when people say, “Someone out there is going through worse”? Well, next time you hear that, acknowledge it and move on.
Someone out there is feeling exactly what you feel. That's what I find comforting — knowing I'm not the only one who has mild panic attacks when someone eats my leftovers.
5. There will always be wine.
Because there will be. If that doesn't make you feel better about life, then there is no hope.
4. You can buy the complete series of "Boy Meets World."
Seriously, YOU CAN. Right now. Walmart has it for under $50! GO!
3. No one is stopping you from accepting and moving on.
I can easily dwell on the smallest of problems and turn them into colossal zombie apocalypses in my mind.
Do you know who's boss of the let's-make-this-girl-freak-the-hell-out-over-nothing department in your mind? You are. So, fire those little sh*ts and make space for some employees who take themselves less seriously.
2. It will be Christmas again.
I know, it basically just happened, and we still have that whole-lotta-family-time aftershock happening, but even mid-summer, remind yourself, there is always Christmas and fuzzy socks.
1. “Life is short” is so much more than a cliché.
We are all guilty of wallowing in self-pity, floundering in the have-nots and dwelling on the unimportant. If you're not, then go back to Finland where they have their sh*t together.
Seriously, life is short. When you find yourself consumed by all of these worries, unable to get out of your own head, remind yourself of those three words.
We don't have time to waste. I will never be Taylor Swift, but I will spend my life dancing to her beats and being grateful I am me.
