The Rocking Chair Syndrome

By Esther Cohen

Sometimes people fall into the trap of believing that worrying is a helpful way of engaging with a problem.

Worrying over and over (and over!) things, is like sitting on a rocking chair without getting anywhere. Just like there is something quite soothing and safe about the backwards and forward movement of a rocking chair, worrying back and forth about a situation, maybe a way to avoid facing the fear of taking action that might lead to either a solution, acceptance or somewhere in between. If there is something to be done about the problem that will ameliorate what is happening, then trust yourself (or pretend you do) and act.  If there is nothing that can be done, then worrying will only chip away at your mental stamina, resilience and the ability to cope or move forward.

As I learned from a very wise man, sometimes you need to tell yourself - “it is what it is”. Either take action or let go of the worry and trust that better days will come.