99999 I am very concerned about a �disease� that is capable of causing a great deal of harm in our society. This �disease� can afflict people in any age group, race, location, economic level, or educational level. Once it becomes a part of a person, it can be very difficult to overcome. But when special care is taken, this �disease� can be cured.

99999 The �disease� I am very concerned about is worry. As I have observed people over the years, I have seen worry cause great harm to the lives of more than a few people. People who have the potential to live vibrant and enthusiastic lives can become emotionally crippled by worry. Particularly disturbing is when young people, even children, develop a pattern of worrying.

99999 In the lives of each of us there are concerns. There will be troubles, disappointments, and regrets that will come to us. The danger of worry is that it can easily take control of our lives. Therefore the challenge for each of us is to make up our mind that we will rise above the difficulties of life.

99999 Listed below are some suggestions that can help us in overcoming the �disease� of worry:

99999 1. Emphasize the positive things in your life. The next time worry invades your life, make a list of the good and positive things in your life. If you find this difficult, begin by listing such things as the fact that you are alive and that there is running water and electricity in your house. As you proceed with your list, you will be surprised with all the good and positive things that are in your life.

99999 2. Do a good deed for someone else. Sometimes worry can gain a foothold in our lives because we are too focused on ourselves. But by thinking of others, and doing a good deeds for them, we will be taking the focus away from out troubles.

99999 3. Remember in life there are difficulties and stresses that we must sometimes face. At certain times in our lives we will be in �the valley.� We may wonder how things can ever get better. But the hours we spend in worry about the things bothering us will never benefit us. In fact, constant worry will only serve to drag us down even further emotionally. A key fact of life is that it is not what comes to us that will make us or break us, but it is how we choose to respond to the ups and downs of life. As much as is possible, may we learn to �roll with the flow� of life.

99999999999999999999999999 Bruce Ligon

Life in the Real World,
Friends Are Special People

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