"Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy."

Ê-- Leo Buscaglia

I'm a worry-wart. Whether I've developed this trait from my protective parents, or it's thanks to circumstances I've endured in my life, I'm prone to worrying every day.

Despite my grumbling when my mom won't let me drive the five hours home by myself, or won't let me go on a missions trip because it's in a not-so-safe-sounding country, I worry pretty much about the same things she does.

One thing I think causes worry is past experiences, and I know the death of my sister in a car accident when I was 12 has much to do with the fear I feel when someone I care about is traveling a long distance.

They have to promise to be careful, wear their seat belt and call me when they get where they're going, and I'll worry until they do.

Worry also seems to be caused by the unknown. It's so much easier to create wild scenarios in my head about something when I'm not sure what it really entails.

For instance, my boyfriend was going cliff jumping a couple of weeks ago, and just the term "cliff jumping" sent off alarms in my head. "Is that safe? Do people really do that?" (Yes to both questions.)

I have to have answers to my questions or I will go crazy exhausting the possibilities in my head.

I've often seen a quote that compared worrying to sitting in a rocking chair -- you have something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere.

I often "don't go anywhere" with my thoughts and all it really does for me is cause stress and a lot of times, tears.

I've found the quote by Leo Buscaglia to be quite true Ð where is the good in worrying if all it does is ruin the present because you're overly concerned about the future?

I don't know how others deal with worry. (Down at Fraggle Rock they dance their cares away).

One remedy I've tried is to consider the consequences, but know that I have the power to prevent them.

For example, instead of worrying about presenting a routine in aerobics, be as prepared as possible, and maybe I won't look like an idiot as much.

For the things I can't control, like losing a loved one, I have to put my trust in my faith in God, and what I believe.

This is a scripture that speaks to me most: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." -- Deuteronomy 31:8

Since I believe that, I really don't have reason to be afraid of anything.

Anyone who has struggled with worry can affirm that it only "saps today of its joy," and it's not worth it.

Sarah Broach is a junior journalism major from Luling and serves as a news editor for The Tech Talk. E-mail comments to slb045@latech.edu.