JumpStart World Trauma Day and National Health Education Week (10/17/22)

Big Idea:  Some people worry more than others.

Worry is anxiety over what may or may not happen. It’s 100% manufactured by us.

Brene Brown writes in Atlas of the Heart: “Worrying and anxiety go together, but worry is not an emotion; it’s the thinking part of anxiety…What really got me about the worry research is that those of us with a tendency to worry believe it is helpful for coping (it is not), believe it is uncontrollable (which means we don’t try to stop worrying), and try to suppress worry thoughts (which actually strengthens and reinforces worry)…we need to dig in and address the emotion driving the thinking.” (p. 11)

I also read somewhere that worry is really the manifestation of your distrust of something/someone. I’m still not sure how I feel about that. I’m worried (!) that might be to harsh, but maybe I feel that way because it’s true. What do you think?

This week, try this: When you find yourself worrying, do 2 things: a) notice that you’re worrying, and b) see if you can name the anxiety behind the worry. For example, if you are worried about an upcoming conference, maybe you are feeling anxious about your fear of being seen as incompetent or not compassionate.

Quote:  "Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once.  Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength."  (Corrie Ten Boom)

Resource:  11 Books to Help Young Students Manage Their Worries: JumpStart reader Kristin Rydholm sent me this article that she wrote for Edutopia in August (nice work, Kristin!). It lists and then summarizes each of eleven read-alouds that can help kids understand their worries.

Dad Joke:  Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon?  Great food, no atmosphere.

Sure hope this week is smooth sailing!