Why Worry? Be Happy.

Kathryn Swegart offers tips on how to beat the worry habit. 

Recently, I had the pleasure of taking a walk with my two young grandchildren on an early spring day. It was a leisurely walk in a quiet neighborhood. After the long, dark winter, we in northern New England savor the feel of sun on our faces. No longer do we have to brace ourselves against bitter winds. Even the little ones seemed to sense the spirit of relaxation. 

Onward we strolled. Two-year-old Patrick picked up a long branch. He squished the stick into mud and remnants of snowbanks, fascinated by the textures of puddles and wet sand. Curiosity prevailed as he experimented along the roadside. 

Mary, only four, scoured the gravel, looking for rocks covered with shiny mica. In her eyes, we were panning for gold. Eagerly, she tucked these treasures in her pocket. High aloft, a mourning cloak butterfly danced in the sunshine, flitting over our heads. 

“It wants to play with us,” I said. 

Indeed, that seemed to be the case. Playfully, the winged dancer dove and soared. It was a moment of delight. Further on, Mary made an observation. Keen of eye, she noticed small cracks in the pavement. It was something to ponder. In a calm, matter-of-fact voice she shared her thoughts. 

“When I see cracks in the road, it makes me think that the whole world is breaking apart.” 

Did she really say what I thought she said? Mary was not frightened by her earth-rattling thought. She was the picture of serenity. Boy, I wish I could be calm like my grandchild. Easier said than done, you might say. 

It's Hard Not to Worry 

How can we ease our tensions when worries, big and small, surround us?   

Mary’s reaction to the crack in the road gives us some clues. Notice the calming effects of a quiet walk in the spring sunshine. Notice how little children stay focused on the moment at hand. Notice how Mary and her little brother are fascinated with God’s creation. Most important of all, notice how they trust that all is well, even if the world seems to be falling apart.   

Guess what? Catholic experts in the treatment of anxiety and those who suffer from panic attacks agree with the insights we can gain from little Mary.   

Ascension Press posted an article to guide Catholics (and all those open to this advice) in dealing with anxiety. Their four tips included prayer, Scripture passages, talking about our worries, and exercise.   

I would add self-awareness. Be mindful when your stomach starts to churn with anxiety.  Know what situations or difficult people create anxiety and pray for strength to deal with those moments. Or avoid stressful situations when possible.  

What Helps When I Worry

One insight that helps me in times of trial is to realize that God knew this ordeal lay ahead of me. He will help me get through this time of stress. Perhaps not over night, but in time.   

I once read that there are 365 passages in the Bible that tell us, "Be not afraid."

Keep those passages as tools in your anti-worry toolbox.   

Don’t let worry fester in your mind. Talk it out with a loved one or even a professional counselor. Bring those thoughts out into the light. It knocks the steam out of them. One clever counselor in our area called her practice Mind Chatter Matters. Indeed, it does.   

My go-to book on spiritual growth is the book The Hidden Power of Kindness by Father Lawrence G. Lovasik, who writes about the power of our thoughts that can color our world for better or worse.   

A person’s interior and exterior life arises and takes shape from his silent world of thought … If you have a correct world of thought, your soul will be healthy and your whole approach to life will be correct. (97)

Once again, eavesdrop on that interior voice that chatters like a chipmunk in your mind. Ask that voice to exit, stage right.   

I take a Rosary walk every day. It has such a calming effect, especially on a sunny day.   

Finally, be thankful for even the little things in life. Saint Paul gives this advice. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness (Colossians 4:2). Dedicate means it must be a disciplined effort to overcome negative thoughts. —

Right now, I can close my eyes and picture that bright spring day and smile at the memory. Little Mary picked up another gem of a stone, then skipped along the road, filled with trust and not a worry in the world.   

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Kathryn Swegart
Images: Canva