Have you ever caught yourself lying awake, eyes wide open, mind racing over the “what ifs”? I know I have. Sometimes it’s the little things that seem to creep up and cast the biggest shadows over our lives, filling our minds with worry that doesn’t serve us. Here’s the truth: worry gives small things a big shadow. And often, we need a little reminder to keep it all in perspective.
Let’s dive into eight ways to keep that shadow in check and live a life full of peace, not fear.
1. Recognize When Worry Creeps In
Worry can sneak up on us like a thief in the night, usually when we’re least expecting it. When you feel that familiar tightening in your chest or that rush of anxious thoughts, stop. Take a deep breath. Name what’s worrying you.
Sometimes, just acknowledging it for what it is—a small thought in a big world—can instantly shrink it down.
2. Challenge the Story You’re Telling Yourself
Most of our worries are stories we make up in our heads. Ask yourself: Is this true? Am I just projecting my fears onto something that hasn’t even happened?
By challenging those stories, you’ll start to see that most worries are just shadowed thoughts with no weight behind them.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
There’s a lot in life that we can’t control. Trying to grip tight to every outcome is like trying to hold water in your hand—eventually, it slips right through. Shift your focus to the things within your control, and let go of the rest.
Control the controllable, and you’ll be amazed at how much lighter your load becomes.
4. Take Action, However Small
Worry feeds on inactivity. It grows when we sit idle and let it swirl. So, take action, no matter how small. If there’s something you’re stressing over, make a plan. Break it down into little steps and get moving.
Each step forward shrinks that worry-shadow bit by bit.
5. Remember: Most Worries Never Come to Pass
Think about the last time you were really worried. How much of what you feared actually happened? Research shows that about 85% of what we worry about never even comes to pass.
When worry tries to take over, remind yourself that it’s more likely to stay in your mind than make it into reality.
6. Shift Your Focus to Gratitude
It’s hard to worry and feel grateful at the same time. Gratitude shines a light on the blessings we have right now, leaving less room for the shadows of worry. Try ending each day by writing down three things you’re thankful for.
It’ll put things back in perspective and remind you of all the good that outweighs those little fears.
7. Practice Mindfulness in the Moment
The shadows of worry are often about the future, not the present. Bring yourself back to the now. Take those deep breaths. Feel your surroundings. Notice what’s real right here, right now.
Mindfulness brings clarity and helps you see that most of what we worry about isn’t part of our reality.
8. Seek Support and Share Your Thoughts
Talking to someone can be one of the best ways to shrink worry. Reach out to a friend, family member, or anyone you trust. Sharing your worries can make them feel smaller and more manageable.
Sometimes, just having someone listen can be the reminder we need that we’re not alone in facing life’s uncertainties.
Worry will always be around, ready to blow little things up into giants if we let it. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you remember that worry only casts shadows over small things, you’ll start to see it for what it is—just a thought, not a reality.
Let’s stop giving these small things a big stage, and instead, live each day with perspective, gratitude, and a steady focus on what really matters.
Steve Lofton 
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