For 2015, stop worrying so much

Now that we're into 2015, we are also obviously into the expected norms which a blank slate supposedly offers. We get a clean, fresh start. So in the spirit of things, let's talk about the New Year's resolutions which we're supposed to indulge in as part of the self cleansing process. In fact, let' start with a big one, perhaps the big one: let's stop worrying so much!

An article in this morning's version of AOL (does anyone say America On Line anymore?), found here: http://www.aol.com/article/2015/01/01/bad-luck-to-blame-for-two-thirds-of-cancer-cases/21123411/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl18%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D592102 asserts that most cancers are simply bad luck. Given that most first heart attacks are fatal (the heart just poops out for whatever reason) we wonder if, perhaps, we're worrying about our health a bit too much. Not that we shouldn't do what we can to become and stay healthy, of course. But the point is, why fret it too much if much of it is beyond our control anyway?

But it's more than health issues which cause us fear. We worry about coping with high gas prices, for example, then worry that low gas prices are bad too (see here: http://www.ktre.com/clip/10816466/low-gas-prices-could-be-bad-for-economy ). We worry about the need for alternative energy but then worry about the alternatives (wind power is bad for the birds, for example, as they might be hurt in the windmill blades while making for a bad vacation photograph). We worry about terrorists and terrorism even though such horrid things are truly beyond our personal control. And so on and so forth.

Maybe for 2015 we should vow to deal with only what we can control while leaving everything else to whatever forces control them. This isn't to say ignore all the rest: you should still exercise, eat right, and vote well on local and national issues. Go ahead and pen that letter to the editor but remember that it will likely fall on either deaf or partisan ears with no huge effect. But do what you need to do for you and yours and let the rest happen as it may. We wonder if you will be all the happier for it. So long, that is, as you strive to be the best person which rational analysis demands. Isn't that what it's all about, really?

Now go out and have a productive 2015.