Holy Moses, don’t worry!

A three-step process for the worrywart in all of us

There is a small sign on the bulletin board in my office that reads: Don’t let worry get you down. Remember Moses started out as a basket case.

This witticism reminds me daily to free myself from worry. All too often, we let unnecessary cares distress us. The uncertainly of life, agitation from the mundane, personal struggles or the burden of work can often trouble our souls. (Can you even imagine the anxiety Moses carried around trying to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?!)

The dictionary describes worry as “to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts.” The word worry comes from the Old English wyrgan, meaning “to strangle.” That’s precisely what worry does. It strangles our minds, seizing our thoughts and choking our better judgment.

I see my mind like Pharaoh. He is powerful and often tyrannical. (Let my worry go!)

Worrying is worrisome, anxiety is nothing but trouble, and losing sleep is never useful. Agonizing over situations paralyzes productivity, and problem solving is stifled. It can also cause difficulties in relationships. The trouble is, many nervous minds are simply running on the habit of excess concern, and the worrisome thoughts take on a life of their own.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

We can let go of the shackles of apprehension, uneasiness and fret. We simply need to interrupt the worry habit. Easier said than done, but I have found freedom from anxiety by following these three actions: stop complaining, accept the situation as it is and adopt an attitude of gratitude. It sounds simple – almost too simple – but this three-step process really works.

Again, I ask you to think back to Moses…. Boy, did the Israelites fret and complain! God sent manna from heaven and they still worried, grabbing more bread than they were instructed to take. (And we all know how that turned out.)

Try to avoid worrying whenever possible and cast your cares on loftier thoughts. This is not always easy, especially this time of year when the preparation for Passover demands so much of us. That’s when the “It would be enough” refrain in Dayenu during the Seder comes to mind. Because sometimes it is enough.  And let’s face it, all our worrying will not add a single moment to our already busy lives. In fact, chronic worriers can actually shorten their lives. 

So, as nature shifts her energy and shakes off her winter mantle, I invite you to do the same. Let’s release the negativity of the past and surrender concerns for what’s to come. “Pesach pressure” is a wasted emotion. Your “Oys” should not be louder than the celebration and appreciation of the holiday. (Remember that cobwebs and curtains are not hametz!)

Instead of anxiety, let’s recondition our minds, breathe new life into old behaviors and focus on gratitude. Moses’ song of deliverance (Exodus 15:1) is an exemplary prayer of thanksgiving. My sincere hope for you this Passover is liberation from worry. I ask God to free us from discontentment and instead fill us with gratitude. May we all honor the simple rhythms of nature, and rest in the joy of the season.  Hag same’ah and Al tid’ag!

KARA MARZIALI is the director of Communications for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.