Did you know…

Your mind is a gold mine

It might not always feel that way, but it’s true. Underneath your worries, below your doubts, is a powerful mind full of creativity and wisdom.

In fact, you might be a creative genius

Scientists in London recently found that “overthinking worriers may have an incredibly developed and creative mind to thank for their worrying ways.” It turns out that some of the world’s most creative and inventive thinkers were also some of the world’s greatest worriers. You can read more about it in this article: Overthinking Worriers Are Probably Creative Geniuses, Research Finds.

How you use your creativity is up to you

Some of us are so very creative that we could spend all day thinking up terrible and tragic possibilities. That is not only very tiring, but a waste of our creative energy. Remember, it’s your mind. You get to decide what to do with it.

Worrying isn’t all bad

In fact, worrying is an important skill. If our great-great-great-etc-etc-etc relatives hadn’t worried, they would have been eaten up by saber-tooth tigers long ago. The important thing is knowing which worries to pay attention to — “Is that a fin swimming toward me?” — and which worries are just your mind making up stories —”I’m stupid! Nobody likes me!”

it’s also a sign that you care

You’re paying attention to what’s happening around you. You care about the feelings and experiences of others, yourself, and the world. Those are wonderful qualities. The trick is to hold onto your beautiful sensitivity while also developing some tools for managing fear and worry.

Worry is courage waiting to get out

A lot of times, worry is your body telling you that you’re about to try something new, which can feel uncomfortable. Without fear, though, courage would not exist. So, next time you feel nervous or anxious, take a deep breath and go for it. Trust us, afterwards you’ll feel much less like a worrier and much more like a warrior.

Worrying is normal — and so is asking for help

Everyone worries — your parents, your teachers, the kids at school who don’t seem like they ever worry — even your school counselor. It is also completely normal — and important — to get help when worry starts to get in the way of your life. So if your worries start pushing you around, ask for help from a parent, school counselor, teacher, or other trusted person in your life.

Want to fear less? create more!

Writing and art can help you sort through confusing feelings, get to know yourself better, and discover your creative gifts, courage, and wisdom. Ready to start creating?