Many Troubles in My Time

How often have you spent time worrying about something, only to discover that it never happened? We can spend hours imagining what might go wrong, allowing our thoughts to create stress over situations that may never become reality.

In this positive message, Catherine Pulsifer reminds us that worry does not change the future. Instead, we can learn to recognize what is within our control, take action when possible, and focus on the good in our lives. Along with her thoughts, the poem Don't Let Worry Steal Today encourages us to stop allowing tomorrow's troubles to take away today's happiness.

For worry cannot change the future, But it can steal the joy of today. Catherine Pulsifer

Updated October 19, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Many Troubles in My Time

Worrying unnecessarily can cause both mental and physical distress. Many times, the things we worry about never come true. Yet we allow these thoughts to fill our minds and take away the peace we could be enjoying today.

Once Said

Winston Churchill once shared a story about an old man who, looking back on his life, realized that many of the troubles he had worried about had never happened.

A similar thought is often attributed to Mark Twain:

"I've seen many troubles in my time, only half of which ever came true."
Mark Twain

I often think of the saying that many of the things we worry about are beyond our control. If we cannot change the situation, what good does it do to spend our time worrying about it?

And, when I look back at my own experiences, I find that many of the things I worried about never came true.

Think About This

Think about the last few things you were worrying about. Did they actually happen? Were they as serious as you imagined they would be?

When you find yourself worrying, ask yourself one simple question:

"Can I do anything about it?"

If you can do something, then take the necessary action to address the problem. Even one small step toward a solution can help you feel more confident about handling the situation.

If you cannot do anything about it, or if the situation is beyond your control, try not to spend all your time worrying. Instead, look for something positive you can focus on, and remind yourself that worrying will not change what happens.

The Secret

There is an old saying, often attributed to Buddha, that reminds us not to dwell on the past or worry about the future, but to live wisely in the present moment.

These are valuable words to remember when something is troubling you. We cannot go back and change yesterday, and we cannot know everything tomorrow will bring. But we can make the most of the day we have been given.

Rather than allowing your mind to be filled with fears about what might happen, concentrate on what you can do today.

Relief From Worry

If you are looking for relief from worry, then do something. Keeping busy with meaningful activities, helping others, or focusing your attention on something positive can help take your mind away from troubling thoughts.

Sometimes a simple change of activity can help bring things into perspective. Go for a walk, spend time with a friend, or do something that brings you enjoyment.

When we continually worry, we may become so focused on what could go wrong that we overlook possible solutions. Negative thoughts can begin to crowd out the positive ones.

Remember the familiar song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy." There is a simple reminder in those words to avoid allowing worry to control every part of our day.

Don't Encourage Worry

One of my favourite thoughts about worrying comes from Arthur Somers Roche:

"Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained."
Arthur Somers Roche

These words remind us how easily worry can take over our thinking when we continually give it our attention.

Don't encourage worry or allow it to drain your thoughts and energy. Instead, look for solutions where possible, accept what you cannot change, and spend more time appreciating what is good in your life.

Worrying about something does not necessarily prevent it from happening. Often, it only adds to the stress we are already feeling. Choose to use your energy on actions that can make a positive difference.

Don't Let Worry Steal Today

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

How many times have we worried,
About things that might go wrong,
Only to find they never happened,
Yet we worried all day long.

We cannot change tomorrow,
By worrying here today,
But we can choose to take some action,
Or let our fears drift away.

If there's something you can do,
Then take a step and try,
But if it's beyond your control,
Don't let the hours pass you by.

For life is meant for living,
Not for fearing what may be,
Look for the good around you,
There's so much more to see.

So leave tomorrow's troubles,
Until tomorrow comes your way,
For worry cannot change the future,
But it can steal the joy of today.

Key Reflections On Worry

Many worries never become reality.
We often spend time imagining problems that may never happen. Looking back at past worries can remind us that our fears are not always an accurate picture of the future.
Take action when you can.
If something is troubling you and there is a step you can take, begin with that step. Taking action can help you move away from worry and toward a possible solution.
Let go of what you cannot control.
Some situations are beyond our ability to change. Continually worrying about them will not improve the outcome, but learning to accept uncertainty can help bring peace of mind.
Focus on the present day.
We cannot change yesterday or know everything tomorrow will bring. By giving our attention to today, we can appreciate the good things that might otherwise pass unnoticed.
Don't let worry take away your happiness.
Constant worry can drain our energy and keep us from enjoying life. Finding meaningful activities, helping others, and looking for the good can help us develop a more positive outlook.

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Conclusion

We all experience worry from time to time, especially when life brings uncertainty or unexpected challenges. But as Catherine Pulsifer reminds us, many of the things we spend time worrying about never happen. And even when difficulties do arise, worrying alone will not solve them.

The poem Don't Let Worry Steal Today encourages us to focus on the present rather than allowing fears about tomorrow to control our thoughts. When there is something we can do, we should take action. When a situation is beyond our control, we can work toward accepting it and directing our energy toward something positive.

The next time you find yourself worrying, ask whether there is anything you can do about the situation. If there is, take that first step. If there isn't, remind yourself that today still has moments worth enjoying. Don't allow worries about what might happen tomorrow to steal the happiness you could experience today.

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