Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-05-12
Those Who Worry Us
BY H. ADDINGToN BRUCE.


IN HE problem of worry has many angles. OF
this l was reminded the other day by an
= Iowa correspondent, who wrote, in the
course of interesting letter:
Please write article on those who worry US,
those who for selfish reasons take away our happi-
ness and peace as far as they can.
"Of course nothing can ever harm real
character except our own deeds But the constant
wrongs others do us can affect unhappy that
it is hard to keep ones poise.''
In such a situation there is this to be said at
the outset: 1t is not simply a question of con-
trolling our own reactions to the behavior of 9TH
ers but of controlling their behavior by the way
react at it.
People are prone to forget this. They forget
that when they experience constant wrongs from
others there is always likelihood that they them
selves behave in such way to stimulate the
hostile injurious attitude shown by the persons who
worry them.
This, it is true, is not an invariabIe rule. But
again and again it will be found that the way
others behave toward is~1argey determined by
the way we behave toward them.
If they irritate and worry US, self-analysis will
often show that we take little pains to establish
in them kinder, friendlier attitude We forget
that the influence of psychic contagion" is al
ways working for or against
What ought to do is to study own
methods of thinking and behaving, with a view to
exerting a maximum of favorable phychic influ-
ence on those with whom are brought into
contact The more unselfish and good-natured we
become, the better disposed others will be to-
ward u.s.
The fundamental principle, Like breeds like"
holds good in the mental in the physical realm.
To be sure, as already stated, there eXcep-
lions. Circumstances over which we have no con-
troll may create in others an unwavering attitude
of hostility toward
In that case, the consideration is for
to rise superior to any indignity, and affrOnt. We
must at least have peace with ourselves.
This may be hard to attain, but always
attain it. Various methods open to us.
Increased enthusiasm for our life-work is one.
Another is the deliberate substitution of pleasant
our mind.
Aaron Martin Crane, in his admirable Right
and Wrong Thinking" drops a hint that is in
valuable to all who worried by the actions
of others.
"A most excellent way to turn the thoughts
from dscordant channels into harmonious Ones"
he says, sis to look habitualy for the good, both
in persons and in things
1T is accepted fact that nothing exist
which is wholly evil entirely separated from
good There never person who did not have
some good qualities who did not do good
deeds; a thing, however much it might
be out of place, that did not have somewhat of
good in it or closely connected with it.
Then the search for the good, if diligent and
faithful need never be in van and when found, it
ought to be well and carefully treasured.
with this habit fully established, error
thoughts will seldom intrude. Steadfastly Look
for the good in thine enemy. y
Here is something all of may we'll take to
heart, and especially those of who worried
by the behavior of others.
Copyright. 1916, by H. A. Bruce.)