Don't sweat the small stuff

For those who know me, you won't be surprised to learn that I have a few fears about my upcoming Peace Corps adventure. Mostly, I have a fear of the unknown. The Peace Corps tends to give you only the information you need in the moment and what lies ahead is anyone's guess. I suppose that's really how life is anyway but I try to plan like I have some say in the matter. 

What am I worried about? That I won't pack the right things. That I won't be able to make friends with other Peace Corps trainees. That the shots will hurt or make me sick. That my host family's home will be crawling with roaches. That I'll get some weird disease. That I'll be uncomfortable on my 15+ hour flight. That I'll be lonely. That I won't be able to learn the language. And, on and on... 

But, these are the small things. 

This week, I had dinner with my good friend Amy G. One of her friend's moms has been battling cancer for over four years. Whenever Amy G. sees this woman, she always comes away remembering not to sweat the small stuff. There are so many things to worry about in this life and it is totally normal to do so but we also have to remember that life is so much bigger. These things I worry about won't matter in 5, 10, 50 or 100 years. What will matter is that I made the leap. 

Additionally, it is comforting to think that there are many other people across the county who are in the same place I am tonight. They are preparing to go to Malawi in two and a half weeks and leave their friends and family and pets. They are worrying about all the things I'm worried about. They are buying luggage and socks and shipping books. And, they will be my friends and colleagues for the next two years. I hope some of them are also getting ready to watch Glee tonight! 

Even though I have a few fears, I'm so excited about what is ahead. I've learned that remaining in the moment is the best way to appreciate life and let the worrying subside.