Worry Not

 This week I decided to go back to my childhood and watch The Lion King. It’s a lovely little story about a young lion growing up to be a manly lion. At one point in the story Simba, the main lion, is having a really tough time. His father has just been murdered by his uncle, and Simba has been blamed for his murder! However, all hope is not lost! A warthog, Pumba, and a mercat, Timon, help Simba to realize that everything will be alright. They tell him, “Hakuna Matata. It means no worries.” This is a good philosophy to model your life after. It does no good to excessively worry. All it does is increase you stress level…often for no good reason. Most often it’s better to just relax. Over the last few months I have been worrying far more than is healthy.
 Graduation is an amazing time in a senior’s life. It’s a time for growth and expression. So far, mine hasn’t been. I have been so stressed about finding money for college, and I have been worrying about what is going to happen to my family when I go away to college. Needless to say my senior year hasn’t been the carefree existence it was supposed to be. Then one fine, cold winter day my grandpa pulled me aside at a family gathering. He told me not to worry so much. He also told me, “You’re a smart and strong young women. Try not to worry. I know you’ll figure it out.” That was when I decided to quit stressing about what my life will be and focus on what it is. It has improved my life so much! I have had more fun since then: hanging out with my friends, watching movies, listening to music. I’m just trying to enjoy doing “normal” kid stuff. Sure enough I figured out what to do with my life shortly after that talk with my grandpa. All the worry and stress just clouded my brain to the obvious answer. Now my senior life is more enjoyable, and I managed to get rid of that pesky stomach ache. Life is good. :)
 So, here is the lesson this week: it doesn’t help to worry. When all you focus on is what is to come
you forget about what is. This is a crucial time in our lives. Seniors I mean. We are about to start a new chapter in our lives, but before we do we have to enjoy our last few months in high school. This is the last time we will be this carefree and wild! We should enjoy it while it lasts. Worrying takes away from the joy of these months. Things will work out, and the solution is probably right there in front of you if only you would relax. It is like our English teacher says, “Choose the joy!” If we do that life will run a bit smoother.