“Things take the time they take. Don’t worry.”
Every time I read this line by Mary Oliver and I’m in the midst of something I can’t see reaching it’s end any time soon, I want to shout at her: “Yea right, easier said than done!” Sorry, Mary.
When I am in the midst, I can’t help but worry. It’s not like I’m trying to or anything- it just happens. It starts as this internal welling up inside of me and no matter how much I try to push it down… the worry… well, it has a mind of its own.
In contrast, when I’m at the end of something, when I’ve reached my destination and all my lingering questions have been answered – then I find myself saying “Oh yea, Mary, you had a point there, didn’t ya? Hey everyone! Listen up! It’s gonna be okay!”
Unfortunately though, at some point, I find myself back in the midst once again and the cycle continues.
So what does help lessen the worry when I’m in the midst of one trial or another?
For me? I think… owning up to it.
… saying to myself or even shouting it aloud so another person can hear: “Hey, I’m a bit worried over here! I don’t need you to necessarily do anything about it, but I need to be honest – time has slowed to a snail’s pace for me right now and I can’t see past this one thing. It’s SO aggravating!”
And if I’m lucky, and I own up to what it feels like to be in the midst… if I’m brave enough to shout it out into the trees…someone might just shout back: “Hey, me too!”
And it might make all the difference.
