I hope I don’t make this blog worse with today’s topic.
I hear people talking about the fear of making things worse with action AND with inaction.
The fear of making things worse can lead to
- hesitation,
- paralysis,
- second guessing,
- sleeplessness,
- indecision,
- self-judgment,
- wheel spinning,
- worry,
- guilt,
- anxiety,
- over-thinking,
- stress,
- shame,
- blame, and
- all sorts of emotional pain.
Cures for the fear of making things worse include
- “Just do it!”
- “Just don’t do it!”
- “It might get worse but that’s not the end of the story.”
- “Most things are NOT irrevocable.”
- “Things will get worse then better then worse then better, no matter what you do or don’t do.”
Yesterday, my boyfriend Michael did not make things worse with this story about his twin brother, Steve. When people complain and worry, Steve tells them, “Don’t worry about this! This is nothing! Guaranteed, something MUCH WORSE is coming along.” I heard that as an unusual invitation to enjoy and appreciate the present, and it made me smile.
Let’s see if any of my recent photos make things worse:
Janis Joplin makes things better with “Hesitation Blues.”
If you have any fear of making things worse with a comment, please let that go.
I have no fear of making things worse by expressing gratitude and affection for all who helped me create today’s post and — of course! — for YOU.
The Year(s) of Living Non-Judgmentally 
Did you finally submit your work to the gallery?
The fear of making things worse held me back. Now I see it was well worth it!
You never make things worse, Maria. Your comments are always well worth it.
Something much different is coming along, interesting twin of Michael. I put that one different word on his statement, Ann, not knowing if I made it worse.
You did not make it worse, Mark, you just made it different. As always, thanks for your interesting comment.
I am always afraid of making things worse by expressing my opinion in marital discussions because we are so opposite and if I don’t agree with him then things get worse. Sigh.
That sounds difficult, Dawn. I’m glad you expressed your opinion here.
I love your photos. Here in Ontario (not sure about the rest of Canada) you’re not allowed to own ‘the beach’. It can’t be private property.
I love your comment, Carol, and I love that people aren’t allowed to own the beach in Ontario. That’s better.
Nothing you’ve ever said makes anything worse. You have a voice of reason that helps me stay grounded….
You help us stay grounded, Colleen, with your voice. Thank you!
Thank you Ann.
you and your posts always make things better –
You and your blog always make things better, Beth. Thanks for making things better here with your comments.
Janis Joplin said, “On stage, I make love to 25000 different people, then I go home alone.” In that time though she made things better for every one of those people, and herself.
However I think Steve’s attitude is brilliant and his name also reminds me of a story about Samuel Goldwyn who opened a script, saw that the lead’s name was Steve, and yelled, “Steve? You can’t name him Steve! Every Tom, Dick, and Harry is named Steve!”
With your brilliant and lovely comments that always make things better, Chris, you are no ordinary Tom, Dick, or Harry.
Thanks Ann!!!
You’re welcome and thank you!!!!!
Especially love this – “Things will get worse then better then worse then better, no matter what you do or don’t do.” Feeling better already! Thanks Ann 💛
I feel better that I made that up while I was writing this, Val. Thanks and love. ❤
We all l have times when we fear making things worse that is a normal feeling learning to do things regardless of the fear is the thing to do
Reading your comments is the thing to do, Joanne. Many thanks for making things better.
Ah, I don’t think you ever make things worse! And Mark’s one little change to Steve’s comment makes it that much better!
Your comments make this blog that much better, Lisa!
I suppose I’d better make a comment – hope it doesn’t make things worse
I’d better tell you, Derrick, your comments always make things better.
We never will know if we don’t get involved how beneficial our action would have been. As always there’s a risk.
-Alan
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