Myth: If There is Something You Can do About it, Don't Worry. If There is Nothing You Can do About it, Don't Worry

A belief embracing calm and acceptance

May 3, 2024

Sidian M.S. Jones

A belief embracing calm and acceptance

Traits

Calm, Accepting, Non-Reactive, Present-Focused, Go-With-The-Flow, Patient, Detached, Emotionally Resilient, Unburdened, Optimistic, Occasionally Complacent, Sometimes Avoidant

Meaning & Personal Mythology

This personal myth hints at a worldview deeply influenced by philosophies that focus on acceptance and detachment, from Stoicism to Buddhist non-attachment. Picture them as a willow tree in a storm – rather than resisting, they bend with life's unpredictable winds. For them, worry is a form of mental resistance; acceptance of both the controllable and uncontrollable leads to peace. It echoes pop-culture wisdom too, from the Serenity Prayer's call for acceptance to the "Hakuna Matata" philosophy (it means ‘no worries’ by the way). Unlike a passing craze – it's a kind of problem free philosophy that has existed for centuries.

A person who adopts this myth might value relationships that offer them stability and ease. Their worldview could prize living fully in the present moment, recognizing that the past and future often become sources of needless worry.

If This Myth is Part of Your Personal Mythology You May...

Believe

  • That worrying accomplishes nothing and steals joy from the present.

  • Acceptance is a superpower, even when circumstances are undesirable.

  • Flexibility is key in an unpredictable world.

Love

  • The calmness of predictable routines and stable environments.

  • People who don't create unnecessary drama or expect them to solve problems.

  • The simple pleasures of the present moment, free from anxieties.

Fear

  • Situations that demand confrontation or force them out of their comfort zone.

  • Feeling overwhelmed by a barrage of problems with no clear solution.

  • Becoming so detached that they miss genuine connections with others.

Strength

  • A quiet inner strength and a contagious calm.

  • They rarely get rattled, which makes them a pillar of support during crises for others.

  • Their ability to let go of needless worry creates a sense of lightness and ease.

Weakness

  • Their desire to avoid worry can occasionally tip over into complacency or avoidance.

  • It’s possible some uncomfortable situations and difficult emotions need to be addressed rather than simply accepted as they are.

  • Their need for calm can sometimes lead them to overlook important issues that require action.

Rule

  • Don't expend energy worrying about things that are outside of your control.

  • Focus on addressing what you can change, and accept what you can't.

  • Find peace in living mindfully in the present moment.

How to Adopt This Myth

  • Identify Your Worries: Start by honestly examining what typically makes you worry. Are there recurring themes, certain types of situations, or specific fears that dominate your thoughts?

  • Challenge Your Worries: When a worry arises, ask yourself: "Can I actually do anything to change or control this situation right now?" If the answer is no, practice gently guiding your mind away from the worry, perhaps focusing on your breath or the present moment, or something you do have control over.

  • Cultivate Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices help ground us in the present, minimizing dwelling on the past or future. Meditation, yoga, or even simply mindful walks in nature can foster this.