Systemic Effect

I worried this week about a medical issue involving a loved one. He is still on watch for the unresolved issue, but the looming horror of a diagnosis presented in the first instance and not eliminated for five days overwhelmed me. When the most serious possibility was lifted and as we wait for final decisions, I thought the stress was lifted.

I felt relief. I said prayers of thanks. I cried in happiness and went on with my ordinary life.

However, my body rebelled. It said, "There is a price for stressing me this way." Today I was systemically cold. All the woolen cover-ups did not help. Finally, in frustration, I went underwraps and slept in the middle of the day for two hours. I woke feeling warmer but not warm.

There is a systemic effect we suffer when we worry. Why worry? I could do nothing. It was in God's hands. I worry anyway. I write this to you, my readers, as a reminder about the mind-body-spirit connections. I have no solution about prevention of the systemic effect of concern and worry. I will try to remember to understand my limited role in helping those I love and just pray; not worry!

K. B. Pellegrino, Author