Word Press has a Daily Prompt to set one off on a bit of free writing.  Today I’m responding to Fret

Fret means to be constantly or visibly nervous or anxious.  Well I am not constantly nervous or anxious and I’m seldom visibly nervous or anxious.  There have, of course, been times when it is clear to all around me that I’m fretting about something but I do try to keep things in perspective.  I’m fond of telling my darling hubby not to sweat the small stuff.   The above definition applies to him quite often.  But when it comes to a real crisis he copes like a hero.

But I think it is the small stuff that most of us fret over.  What is the point of fretting over your kids’ untidiness, your husband’s lateness or why the guy driving in front of you isn’t going fast enough. Does it really matter in the greater scheme of things?

I try to keep anxiety to a minimum but I must confess that at times I do succumb to a fret or two.  This happened quite recently.  I am planning an overseas trip with my daughter, Laurie.  We’re going to visit London and several other cities in Europe.  This required getting visitors’ visas.  What a schlep!  You have to go online, fill in forms, answer difficult questions about your suitability to be allowed into foreign countries – from – are you married to have you committed any crimes.  Really!   You also have to produce a file full of documents, pay an enormous amount of money and then book an appointment with a processing agent before they will even consider letting you in!   So fret I did.   I filled in the form, printed the bank statements, got proof of accommodation, travel tickets and insurance, made the 220km trip to Cape Town, went to the UK appointment and then made the trip back again.  Not all on the same day of course but still.  Then I suffered  10 days of fretting before the news came back that all was well and that our Visas were granted.  Luckily Laurie could collect mine for me.  Then the whole process started again for the Schengen.  Our appointment with the Italian Agent is on Tuesday and I’ve promised myself that this time I am not going to fret until I hear the results of the processing.  Because – really there is nothing more I can do and whatever will be will be!