Dear Dorothy,
I find myself constantly worried about the future. I wake up anxious about where my life is headed, whether I am making the right decisions, and if things will ever truly work out. Even when things are calm, my mind races ahead to possible problems. Friends tell me to relax and take life as it comes, but that feels impossible. How do I stop being so apprehensive about what lies ahead?
Wuraola
Dear Wuraola,
You are far from alone. Apprehension about the future is one of the quiet burdens many people carry, especially in times of uncertainty and rapid change. Wanting clarity and stability is human. The challenge begins when fear of tomorrow robs you of peace today.
First, it helps to recognise that the future is not something you can fully control, no matter how much you analyse or prepare. Many of the things you worry about may never happen. Your mind is trying to protect you, but it has gone into overdrive. When this happens, gently bring your attention back to what is real and manageable right now. Ask yourself what you can do today, not what might go wrong next year.
Secondly, try to separate planning from worrying. Planning is practical and focused. Worrying is circular and draining. If a concern keeps returning, write it down and note one small action you can take. Once that action is done, permit yourself to let the thought rest.
It is also important to be kinder to yourself. You do not need to have everything figured out by a certain age or stage. Life rarely unfolds in straight lines. Detours, pauses and even setbacks often teach us more than smooth paths ever could.
Finally, consider sharing your fears with someone you trust or speaking to a professional if the anxiety feels overwhelming. Talking helps to shrink worries that feel enormous when kept inside your head.
The future will arrive one day at a time, just as the past did. You have already handled many moments you once feared. Trust that you will find your footing again. For now, breathe, focus on today, and allow yourself the grace to be a work in progress.
Yours sincerely,
Dorothy