"مشکلات را پیش‌بینی نکنید یا نگران چیزی که ممکن است هرگز اتفاق نیافتد نباشید در نور آفتاب بمانید"

Worrying about things that haven’t happened yet can be a huge drain on our energy and happiness. Focusing on the negative possibilities can make us miss out on the positive moments unfolding right in front of us. When we let go of needless worry and focus on the present, we allow ourselves to experience life more fully and joyfully.

This advice comes from a long tradition of thought emphasizing the importance of living in the moment. You might think of the Stoics, who believed in accepting what you can’t control and focusing on what you can. Or perhaps you’ve heard of mindfulness, which is all about being present. This particular quote feels like it could have come from a wise old friend, gently reminding us to stay in the light rather than stumbling around in the dark.

Picture this: You’re about to give a big presentation at work. You’ve prepared your slides, practiced your speech, and even picked out your outfit the night before. But now, as you sit waiting for your turn, all you can think about are the possible disasters. What if your mind goes blank? What if the technology fails? What if you trip on your way to the podium? These worries can paralyze you, making you more likely to falter. But if you shift your focus to the preparation you’ve done, the support of your colleagues, and the opportunity to share your ideas, you’ll step into that room with confidence and grace.

How can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by recognizing when you’re worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. Are you losing sleep over a hypothetical problem at work? Are you stressing about a conversation that might go wrong? Notice these moments and gently remind yourself to stay present. Take a few deep breaths. Focus on what’s happening right now rather than what might happen later. It sounds simple, but it takes practice.

Imagine you’re planning a big family vacation. You’ve been saving up and looking forward to this trip for months. But as the date approaches, you start worrying about everything that could go wrong. What if the weather is terrible? What if someone gets sick? What if there’s a travel delay? These worries can cast a shadow over your excitement and anticipation. But if you remind yourself to stay in the sunlight, you’ll start to focus on the joy and adventure of the trip itself. You’ll remember why you wanted to go in the first place—to relax, bond with your family, and create wonderful memories.

A friend of mine once shared a story that perfectly illustrates this concept. She was about to move to a new city for a job she was excited about, but she was also incredibly anxious. She worried about everything: finding a place to live, making new friends, learning the ropes at her new job. She almost talked herself out of it. But then she remembered some advice her grandmother had given her: “Don't borrow trouble.” She decided to focus on the excitement of the move instead. She ended up finding a great apartment, making wonderful new friends, and loving her job.

So, the next time you find yourself caught in a spiral of worry, remember to keep in the sunlight. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t. Enjoy the moment you’re in right now, and you’ll find that many of those troubles you anticipated never actually happen. And even if they do, you’ll be better equipped to handle them with a clear mind and a positive spirit.