Worrying like a warrior  | Philstar.com

SENIORA’S MUSINGSDitas Olaguer-Consunji – Philstar.com

December 28, 2025 | 11:31am

Worries sneak in quietly into our minds like tiny shadows, inviting a dark cloud of pessimism and gloom to settle in. We begin to angst and fret, until a conscious effort to fight off the negativity is made.

But there’s a comforting truth often forgotten.  Worrying isn’t a sign of weakness. It simply means we’re human and that we care. And when the choice is made to face problems with courage, grace and a little humor, we join the ranks of everyday life warriors.

The quiet battle inside

Warriors don’t always have everything under control. Even in difficult mornings, they choose to face the day, holding onto the peace and quiet expectation of God’s providence.  

It’s not always possible to stay brave or heroic. Instead of swords or shields, mindful life warriors enter battles grounded in perspective, patience and prayer.

Taming negative thoughts

Negative thoughts are like wild horses. They run fast, pull hard and leave us exhausted when entertained. Rein them in by acknowledging feelings:

“I’m scared.”

“I feel overwhelmed.”

“I don’t know what to do next.”

Naming emotions turns on the light in the dark room of our minds. Suddenly, the hidden monster has a shape and once exposed, becomes far less frightening.

Here are a few heart-calming habits to try:

Pause and breathe calmly, to reset your soul.

A few slow breaths remind us that we don’t need to sprint toward worst-case scenarios.

Replace any lies with something true.

When your thoughts say, “I can’t take this,” tell yourself, “I’ve handled drawbacks before and God strengthened me whenever I asked Him to.”

Create a small moment of comfort

Take a scenic walk, enjoy laughter and pleasant banter with a friend, sip warm tea with a favorite cookie, or listen to a worship song that feels like a hug. Small comforts don’t solve troubles, but they soften the heart and make you feel cared for.

Anchor yourself in gratitude

Gratitude doesn’t erase worry, but it gently shifts the balance. Even one thankful thought can lighten a heavy moment. Despite setbacks, there is always something to be grateful for.

Choosing faith over fear

Moments of strength do come. It’s the prayer whispered through tears. Showing up for work even when your heart feels drained, strengthened by faith, hope and love.  

Warriors don’t win every battle. We stumble and regroup, then rise again humbly after every fall.  And that’s how every true blue warrior survives. 

Encouragement for the journey

If you’re carrying something heavy — a worry you can’t name, a fear that keeps looping in the mind, or a challenge that feels too big to hold, pause and breathe. You do not have to carry your burdens  alone.

Know you are being guided, supported and held by a patient God.  One who never tires of holding your hand and listening to your heart. All you need to do is reach out to Him.

Being a warrior doesn’t mean you’ll never be afraid. It’s facing those fears with honesty, meekness and confidence, and believing that even in sorrowful seasons, something good is unfolding —slowly but surely.

So surrender whatever is weighing you down. Trust in the One who’s willing to walk by your side, and choose to keep moving forward. Because even in the hardest of days, a life warrior should not forget that “you are braver than you believe, stronger than you think, and loved more than you know.”


Related posts

Ahtisa Manalo confirms boyfriend after pageant run

What was it like to be Jesus’ parents?

Ilokano couple sells Vigan-style Longganisa to homesick Pinoys in US