Do you ever find yourself wishing that stuff would just be over?
Sometimes I get caught up in a trap of wishing that everything was already in the past: a work event, a tough project, writing a blog post, or maybe even an entire day.
I might make plans with a friend only to wish I could actually just sit in bed watching Netflix at the end of the day instead of having to go out to dinner (that’s a terrible thing to wish upon yourself, but I bet my fellow introverts can relate).
If I don’t have to make a presentation until the end of the day, I’m going to spend the whole day just wishing it was over. I’ll worry about everything under the sun that might go wrong. But what sort of a way is that to live? Am I wishing my whole life would just be over? I don’t want to think like that.
Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles
I’m sure there have been times when you’ve dreaded doing something and it’s actually not been that bad. Sorority recruitment in college was definitely one of those things for me. After worrying for weeks because I hated the idea of non-stop chatter for three days, I realize that it taught me to be patient, keep a conversation going, and how to smile even when I didn’t want to.
Only when the dreaded thing is over can I realize how silly I was being. Work events actually end up being fun despite the stress and dare I say I actually enjoy giving presentations (who am I?)
Expect nothing and you’ll get everything
Instead of spending my time wishing things were over, I’m going to make a conscious effort to be excited about what’s coming up, no matter what it is. I’m going to think about what could go well instead of what could go wrong.
It’s all about consciously tuning in to your mindset and focusing on how you choose to feel about something. You choose to wish it was over, just as you can choose to be excited about it. Tell yourself you’re excited, even if you’re terrified. It’s all a matter of perspective and focusing on the positive.
If you spend your whole life wishing things were over already, you’re not enjoying what’s going on in the present moment. You’re creating a negative image of the event in your mind before it’s even happened.
Why don’t we start looking forward to things – every little thing that you can possibly imagine? Just try to enjoy the journey because getting there is half the fun.
17 Responses
THANK YOU! You are so right, half the time worry and feeding into that anxiety makes the job (whatever it is) less fun. Let’s stop living for the future and start enjoying the tasks we’re doing now!
Yeah, girl! I’m trying to take things slower and not rush through every little task I do these days
I can so relate to this! I’m so close to summer, but not close enough. Most of the time I’m waiting for the school year to be over, and sometimes I catch myself wishing I still had more time for my freshman year of college. I’ll try to make the most of the days I have left in spite of final exams! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Ahhh yeah, it’s hard when you have something like finals coming up because obviously you want those to be over with ASAP! Hope you can enjoy some time away from studying before summer starts!
yep– i’m the same way! as an introvert i ALWAYS find myself wanting to cancel plans last minute cause i don’t want to be around people. but usually once i’m there I’m glad i went!!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
Sometimes I get excited when plans get cancelled, but I think that’s a normal introvert reaction haha. It’s just important to remember the good times with friends and how rewarding they can be!
Hahah oh the timing of this! I just spent the past week dreading my wisdom teeth removal…only to experience it and realize that it wasn’t even actually that bad! I completely relate to this. I am constantly worrying and dreading a certain event/activity thinking that once it’s over, I can finally be ‘happy again’.
Ah I got my wisdom teeth out a few years ago and it was NOT easy for me! I remember laying in bed just watching all of Arrested Development haha. Glad it was okay for you, and wishing you a speedy recovery!
Always love your reminders Catherine. It’s harder than it sounds, but it’s definitely something I’m working on as well. Big smiles :)
I agree, so much harder than it sounds, but being conscious of the way you’re thinking is a step in the right direction!
Such a great topic Catherine! I can relate to everything you said (I think I say this a lot here haha, but it’s true!), specially with plans with friends (another introvert here). Before getting out of the house I wish plans were cancelled – which is terrible, yes – but most of the times I end up having fun. And that happens with other things as well, I worry too much and focus more than I should on what might go wrong. And sometimes that fear doesn’t even make sense but it’s hard to fight it. Nevertheless, it’s something I definitely want to work on, on enjoying the present moment :) x
I always think of the worst possible thing that could happen, but it never does! And then I feel really silly afterwards haha. I’m glad you can relate, that’s why I love writing about these things because I realize so many others feel the same way!
This is such a true post! I always worry about things in the future and I need to stop!
I know, it’s so hard! P.S. Congrats on graduation, Nick said he saw you haha!
Yes haha! He was 2 rows in front of me and I recognized him so I said hi!
Yes, I do this all the time. Actually, for almost everything. I dread bedtime. I dread morning. I dread going to class. I dread homework. It’s a crappy way to live and I’m trying to reframe these things in my mind to something positive. It’s hard though. I’d rather just lay around and binge Netlfix.
I hear ya, Beth. You mentioned you’re already trying to reframe these things in your mind which means you’re aware of your own thoughts and behaviors. I think that’s the first step to making a positive change in your life.