Winning Words 6/16/11
“If you can solve your problem, what’s the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what’s the use of worrying?” (Shantideva) This quote is from the writings of an 8th century Buddhist scholar. I read this week that worriers should try to get regular doses of contact with positive people--and also eat a wholesome diet. So, “What’s the use of worrying?” Can you sing the rest? ;-) Jack

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: For a while I was around some people who told me I was going to kill myself off from worrying so much. Then I also had that to worry about. When I took it to God and accepted more that part of my personality that I'm predisposed to worry about the other heel dropping down upon me, other people didn't comment so much on my worrying too much. Maybe I actually was talking less about worrying, maybe I was worrying less but something changed for the better.
Helpful WW again this morning. thanks.////FROM JACK: I wonder where the expression, "worry wart" came from. I'm not going to worry about it.

FROM GP IN MICHIGAN: "Reflect upon your present blessings - of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." Charles Dickens Been trying to keep my eye on the ball that is life. Thanx for being a part of my life

FROM PASTY PAT: Greetings from Helsinki, Finland. I'm not contemplating the 'why' right at this minute, but I'm amazed at how strongly I'm relating to Finland. From the minute we entered the harbor and throughout this day I've been feeling like my soul is truly at home (and I'm not even particularly a city person). It's a good thing I don't have any money (it's frighteningly expensive). Otherwise I'd be contacting my kids to send all my belongings!////FROM JACK: See...it's in the genes. I suppose you looked for a sauna, too.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: "...it never was worthwhile.....'////FROM JACK: So...smile, smile, smile.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: Oh! To face life with such equilibrium! Excellent point to ponder, and to lessen our fearful worrying. "What's the use of worrying? Gloom never was in style! So pack up your troubles in your old kit bag, and SMILE, SMILE, SMILE! :-)" "Protect Us by Thy might, Great God, our King!"...////FROM JACK: Good advice, but sometimes hard to follow.

FROM JB IN PENNSYLVANIA: I think the worry comes when you don't know if you can or can't solve it. Once you know either way, worrying doesn't help.////FROM JACK: Yes, it doesn't help....but why are there times when we just can't let it go? Human nature?

FROM RJP IN FLORIDA: SOOOO Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile. Your old enough to know what a kit bag is........That's the good news.////FROM JACK: Speaking of words that have fallen out of use or taken on different meanings..."While you've a lucifer to light your fag."

FROM ME IN NEWPORT BEACH: This one sounds like it also comes from my wife.////FROM JACK: She sounds like she knows a thing or two. I should meet her someday.

FROM JT IN MICHIGAN: I remember that when I was at UD I was told by a friend that there's no use in worrying - you're either well or you sick. If you're well there's nothing to worry about - if you're sick there's only two things to worry about - you're going to get well or your're going to die. If you get well there's nothing to worry about - if you die there's only two things to worry about - you're going to Heaven or you're going to Hell. If you go to Heaven there's nothing to worry about - if you go to Hell you'll be so busy greeting all your friends you won't have time to worry. (See what I learned in college!)////FROM JACK: I've never heard that saying before, but it must be old, since you heard it in college. It's a good one.