"Don't Worry, Be Happy!" And Other Such Nonsense
By Laura Hull, LMFT Back in the late 1980s, Bobby McFerrin had a smash hit song proclaiming the notion that when life throws everything including the kitchen sink at us, we should adopt the mindset of “don’t worry, be happy”. Uh-huh. This catchy little ditty puts a smile on the face, taking me in my mind to my worry-free, happy place (the one that exists only in my mind) where I am sitting on a beach, whistling along with Bobby under an umbrella with a fruity beverage. Lost in that momentary thought, I am brought crashing back to reality with the sounds of real life. My hubby and I have six kids to support…to put through college, to fit with braces, health issues to address, careers to pursue, and the list goes on and on. With life comes worry. Sorry Mr. McFerrin, your notion of “don’t worry, be happy” is a lovely one, but much easier said than done. Everyone who lives long enough experiences worry and fea...