I fear the future

[G_Eli_D]

I keep stressing about what is to come, I never really focus on the here and now. This causes me to miss out on major opportunities for life experiences. I basically blanked out the entirety of my sweet 16 because I was overthinking about the future.

[Starrlight]

Hi G_Eli_D. I hear you. You are not alone. I sit isolating from everyone because it’s too much and distracting with movies and work, to try to stop myself from worrying. I keep thinking all I need is to practice mindfulness (focus on the present unfolding experiences without judgment) but negative thoughts about myself and worry keep ruining that. I guess I’ll keep trying. Have you tried practicing mindfulness or meditation. Even taking out time to focus on the breath can help. Best to you!

[onthetrail]

Sounds like you understand what's going on for you. Body scan meditation is a really powerful technique when you're having a hard time being present or doing simpler meditation. It worked for me this summer when I was dealing with a lot of physical and emotional pain. Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Series 1 (apps.apple.com/us/app/jkz-s... is a good place to start. You can also Google "body scan meditation" and find lots of other resources.

[JkBauer]

Hello G_Eli_D,

Happy belated Sweet 16 to you! What kind of things are you worrying about? Parents/family/ friends? College/ school/ job? Health/ money? - Whatever it is there is a place that you can find calm and peace, it is prayer. "Be still and know that I am God." "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." " Do not worry for I, the LORD your God am with you." " ...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I hope this will help you! Take care!

[Seacow111]

I really feel for you, I have the same, cant stop my mind churning over stuff, especially the future. I agree that mindfulness is helpful. I use an app called headspace. Sometimes I get it and have 10 to 15 mins of real peace, just focusing on breathing. Sometimes not so much. Also just be kind to yourself. This might sound ultra weird but sometimes if I cant sleep I give myself a hug, breathe deeply and tell myself that I am going to be OK. Hugs from other people are good too!

[Bella_lee]

Hi G_Eli_D I'm so sorry you're feeling so stressed emotionally. I want to encourage you with this wonderful verse

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to her span of life?”

I pray the future brings you peace, strength, love and many wonderful and joyous moments.

Sending you much hugs )))