During This Challenging Time, Stop Worrying, Start Singing

By Ettie Rutherford
Contributing Columnist

Even though we have all been aware that unexpected change is a natural part of life, I think we can all agree that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a noticeable increase in the amount of stress, anxiety and worry, arising, both from the disease itself and from other factors.

Mandated government dictates have increased the amount of time spent worrying about the future, due to social distancing, children’s interrupted education, job losses and a variety of factors that regulate our responses to, and lack of control over, every aspect of our lives.

According to a Ministry Toolbox Resource, scientific studies have shown that worry not only leads to mental illness, but show that 40 percent of worry never happens; 30 percent of worry concerns the past; 10 percent are about petty situations; and only 8 percent of worry are about legitimate concerns.

There are absolutely no statistics to show that worrying has ever changed anything, changed any circumstance or anyone. Instead, it detracts from positive planning or meaningful actions to be taken, on a daily basis.

Consequently everyone, adults and children alike, might be better served if there is more focus on concerns, for one day at a time.

Therefore, it might be a good idea to do less texting and more speaking on the telephone; reading more; listening to music; engaging in daily journaling; praying and giving thanks for blessings, such as our family, health, shelter, food, and clean running water.

There are millions of people, all around the world, including in Canada, who are so much worse off.

Let us not forget that worrying is not only hard work, but it is like paying interest, before the bill is due. So try to overcome the urge to worry about what you cannot change.

Instead, stop worrying and start singing! That is what my Black slave ancestors did.

In Sisterhood!

Award-winning Ettie Rutherford, B.Ed, Dip.Ed, M.Ed, is an educator, life coach, consultant and author of “Why Perch Like A Chick When You Can Soar Like An Eagle?”. An accomplished public speaker, Ettie is the Founder and CEO of Women Are Worthy, which provides step-by-step strategies for women to achieve their goals, with a minimum amount of stress. She can be reached at ettie@womenrworthy.com