the waste in worry...

December 16, 2001

The Waste in Worry-

If we were to keep a record of all the things we worried about

during a given period of time, we would discover-in reviewing them-

that the great majority of our anticipated problems or troubles

never come to pass. This means that most of the time we devote to

worrying, even the constructive kind that prompts us to try to come

up with a solution to what is troubling us, is wasted. Thus, we not

only caused ourself unnecessary mental anguish, but also took up

valuable minutes and hours that could have been spent elsewhere.

To avoid this, it is often necessary to subject potential sources

of worry to the coldly objective and analytical light of reason.

Once, shortly before a major concert before a standing-room-only

audience, a member of Arturo Toscanini's orchestra approached the

great Italian conductor with an expression of sheer terror on his

face. " Maestro, " the musician fretted, " my instrument is not

working properly. I cannot reach the note of E-flat. Whatever will

I do? We are to begin in a few moments. "

Toscanini looked at the man with utter amazement. Then he smiled

kindly and placed an arm around his shoulders. " My friend, " the

maestro replied, " Do not worry about it. The note E-flat does not

appear anywhere in the music that you will be playing this evening. "

The next time we find ourselves in the middle of worrying about

some matter, we might be wise to stop and ask ourselves what the

odds are of the problem really coming to pass.

We may be able to go on to something more constructive.

-- Brad Stevens

What a wonderful day to be alive. Life indeed is precious. Thanks to the

many notes of thanks for these pieces sent out.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

In love and friendship,

Harold

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