To Worry or Not to Worry

As you know, Simba, a young lion, escapes from his native land, the Prideland, after his father’s death. He feels guilty about his father’s death so he makes a decision not to return home. He lives a carefree life under the motto “Hakuna Matata” with his new friends Timon and Pumbaa. “Hakuna Matata” is from the Swahili language, with “Hakuna,” meaning “there is no,” and “Matata” – “worries or problems.” In their carefree life, they enjoy living with other animals. There is no fight between them and they do not need to worry about their life.

How about our life? We spend our precious time worrying about things, from what I should eat to what I am going to be in the future. Even right now, at this very moment, while I am making a speech about my worry-free life, I am worried that I am actually going to mess it up in front of you all.

So what are some benefits of being worried? Well, when you are worried you're scared to do things you want to accomplish, but you don't need to be scared. Face your challenges and accomplish them.

Look at the new students, for example. You guys were all worried about how you would fit in and make new friends at Stanstead. All of you stepped up and met new people that you can hang out with for the rest of the year and be close to for the rest of your life.

Look at me I was a young ESL student who was shy who couldn’t speak English at all – I mean, I still can't but that's beside the point. But I stood up and made friends such as Michael Wu, Richard Pan, Joliane, Mariama Barry, Ryan Johnson, Marianne, Tammy, Jay and Ryan Young.

What are your worries? Maybe you are worried about an exam coming up? Or thinking about asking a girl out to watch a movie? Is something going on back home? We have a lot of things to worry about, but worrying definitely has its benefits. You study hard for the exam and get good grades, and eventually you will have a girlfriend if you ask a girl out. We just keep worrying about things, and good things will happen as well.

As Mark Twain, the writer of the Adventures of Tom Sawyer, said: “I’ve had many worries in my life, most of which never happened.” I fully agree with his statement but there is a benefit of worrying.

Why do people worry? People worry because they care about things. So should we care about things or should we live in a worry-free lifestyle-like Simba? Only we can decide whether we live a worry-free life or not. Ask yourself if you want to be worried all the time or just live a carefree life and be happy.