Gents,

I was listening to a sermon this morning on the topic of anxiety and it got me thinking.

What a common topic in today’s society. The world is geared for stress and anxiety, especially in the last few months. We can’t even turn on the TV without feeling some kind of stress. ON TOP of being stressed about work, the mortgage, kids, family, repairing your AC, etc. We wake up anxious, worried and before our feet can hit the floor, we are unprepared for the battles ahead.

Obviously worrying about a deadly virus that is spreading through the world creates a lot questions and unknown fear. However, as human beings, we are enslaved by outside stimulus such as cell phones, television, and other human sources who are naïve to the situation or just repeat what their buddy told them.

Our eyes open and we reach for our phone. We begin scrolling through other people’s lives and so called “happiness.” We begin placing judgement on people because they get to go on vacation. “But how? Aren’t they in as much debt as we are?” Why are some people blessed more than others?

After scrolling and wasting 20-30 minutes of our morning, we finally crawl out of bed anxious and mad for no reason. We inject ourselves with more caffeine than yesterday to try and re-stimulate our already shot adrenal glands and just continue to yawn as we anxiously rush out the door. “Man, if only I had an extra 30 minutes each day.” #Scrolling

Ever have days where you feel you are constantly moving in fast forward? I have days where I verbally say, “I feel like I’ve been running all day.” These are the days when I am not prepared and organized. I have no plan so I end up just sporadically running around accomplishing nothing. Denzel Washington said, ” Don’t confuse movement, with progress. Just because you are doing more, doesn’t mean you are getting more done.” Words of wisdom for the hectic, crazy and stressful lives we live. Be intentional about your movements.

Sometimes, the most impactful medicine is to take a break and sit still.

Live near the beach? Go sit by the water a shut up for two seconds. Put the phone down. Listen. Breathe. Reflect. Talk to God.

Live near the mountains? Do the same thing.

Live near a field? Same thing.

Have a Bathroom? Yep, same thing. Why do you think you could never find dad!?

The ability to stop and just press pause is imperative for dealing with anxiety. Matthew 6:34: “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worry of its own.” Stop worrying about whatever is happening tomorrow, the next day or this weekend. Stop worrying what didn’t go as planned yesterday. Stop stressing over the next President. Stop worrying about having to wear a mask everywhere. Just…..Stop.

Just take a seat….Close your eyes….Take a breath…Give it to God.

Stop scrolling, stop judging, stop comparing and go live your life.