One of the things my sister, nicknamed Wheezer, used to say that always stuck with me was, “Put your worries in a bubble and let them go.” It was one of those simple phrases that seemed almost too easy, yet its wisdom has lingered with me long after she passed in 2022.
At first, the idea of “putting your worries in a bubble”
felt almost childlike—how could something so simple have any real power over
life's complex challenges? But over time, I began to understand just how
profound that small act of visualization could be, and how much peace it could
bring when we let go of the weight of worry.
The Power of Letting Go
In life, we often carry the burden of worries on our
shoulders—about work, relationships, health, the future, and countless other
things. It’s easy to become consumed by these thoughts, allowing them to take
over our mental space and emotional energy.
My sister’s advice, though simple, serves as a reminder to
let go of what we can’t control. The act of putting our worries in a bubble is
not about ignoring the problems or pretending they don’t exist. It’s about
acknowledging them, giving them a place to rest temporarily, and then allowing
ourselves the space to breathe. The bubble becomes a visual representation of
releasing the anxiety, watching it float away, and trusting that, for the
moment, it’s not something we need to carry with us.
Why Bubbles?
Why a bubble? The beauty of a bubble is in its lightness and
impermanence. A bubble is delicate, and it’s fleeting. It doesn’t last forever,
but in its brief life, it serves its purpose. Similarly, our worries are often
momentary and transient, even if they feel overwhelming at the time. The visual
of putting them in a bubble allows us to realize that our worries are not
permanent fixtures of our lives; they can float away, just like the bubble,
leaving us lighter and more at peace.
This simple image helps shift our mindset. Instead of
obsessing over a problem or ruminating on “what ifs,” we can take a step back
and give ourselves permission to release the hold our worries have on us. It's
about choosing to pause and be present in the moment, knowing that whatever
we’re stressing about doesn't have to consume us.
A Lesson in Mindfulness
My sister's advice also has a lot to do with mindfulness—the
practice of being fully present in the moment and not allowing our thoughts to
spiral. Worries often come from living in the future, imagining scenarios that
haven’t happened yet. But by “putting them in a bubble and letting them go,” we
shift our focus back to the now. The bubble reminds us that the present moment
is all we really have.
Letting go doesn’t mean we’re giving up. It doesn’t mean
that we’re being irresponsible or failing to plan for the future. Instead, it’s
an act of self-care, giving ourselves the emotional space to let go of what’s
not serving us in the moment.
How to Put Your Worries in a Bubble
Here’s how I’ve started to use my sister’s advice in my own
life:
- Acknowledge
the Worry: Instead of pushing your worry away or pretending it’s not
there, acknowledge it. Sit with it for a moment. Feel it. Recognize it for what it is: a thought, an emotion,
a concern.
- Visualize
the Bubble: Close your eyes and imagine a bubble in front of you.
Place the worry inside the bubble. See the bubble float gently in the air,
knowing it will go where it needs to, even if it's just for the moment.
- Let
It Go: Watch the bubble drift away. Remind yourself that you don’t
have to hold onto this worry forever. You’ve given it space, and now,
you’re choosing to let go of the weight.
- Focus
on the Present: Bring your attention back to the here and now. What
can you do right in this moment? What can you control, and what can you
release?
- Repeat:
This practice isn’t a one-time fix. Worries will come back, but each time
you put them in a bubble and let them go, it gets easier. You start to
realize that many of the things you worry about are out of your control,
and that’s okay.
A Legacy of Peace
Since my sister passed, I’ve found myself reflecting often
on the lessons she taught me, whether through words or her actions. “Put your
worries in a bubble and let them go” is more than just a phrase—it’s a gift of
peace she left behind. It’s a reminder to not let anxiety and fear take over
our lives, to trust in the process, and to make space for calm in the chaos.
So, the next time you find yourself overwhelmed by worry, I
encourage you to try this simple yet powerful practice. Put your worries in a bubble and let them go. You might be surprised at how much lighter you feel
and how much more you can focus on what really matters in the moment.
Thank you, Wheezer, for the wisdom. I carry it with me every
day.
Happy Thursday all,
-srt
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