Worry: Carrying Tomorrow’s Load with Today’s Strength

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength—carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
– Corrie Ten Boom

We’ve all heard the phrase “Don’t worry.” Maybe we’ve even said it to someone else. But I’ve started to wonder if that’s really the most helpful advice. It’s natural for our brain to worry—it’s part of how we stay safe and anticipate challenges. But that doesn’t mean it’s always useful. Psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson puts it perfectly: “Your brain is like Velcro for negative experiences but Teflon for positive ones.” Our brains are wired to notice and hold onto worry, while positive experiences tend to slide right off. We often forget how many times we’ve worried about something that never actually happened. So instead of saying “Don’t worry,” maybe a better reminder is: “Don’t fixate on the worry.”

We can’t always stop worry from showing up—but we can choose how much space it takes up in our day. Here are a few ways to work with worry instead of against it:

1. Light and dark can exist at the same time.
   (See my other post, “Light and Dark.”) It’s okay to worry, but can you also allow room for the possibility that things might work out? Holding both can bring balance.

2. Set a worry timer.
   Schedule a specific time each day, and a specific amount of time—say, 15–30 minutes—for worry. When a worry comes up, write it down and remind yourself, “I’ll think about that during my worry time.” Then gently bring your attention back to the present. This helps you contain worry, rather than letting it spill into your whole day.

3. Play the tape out.
   When worry arises, ask yourself: “What resources do I have to cope if this happens?” In other words, if A happens, then I will B. This moves you from spiraling into anxiety toward problem-solving and help provide a greater sense of control.

Remember: Worry is normal—but it doesn’t have to consume you.
By acknowledging it, setting boundaries, and focusing on what’s within your control, you reclaim your strength for today.