This quote provides a straightforward but insightful perspective on worrying. It suggests that when you worry about something, you essentially experience the suffering or distress twice—once when you worry about it and then again if the actual problem or situation occurs. In other words, worrying doesn't prevent or alleviate difficulties; it merely adds an extra layer of emotional pain.
To break it down further, when you worry, you're mentally and emotionally consumed by thoughts of potential problems or negative outcomes. This mental anguish can be as distressing as facing the actual issue. So, in essence, you're doubling your distress by preoccupying yourself with worry.
The quote serves as a reminder to practice mindfulness and focus on the present rather than dwelling on hypothetical future problems. It suggests that it's more productive to address challenges as they arise rather than suffering in advance through worry. By adopting a more proactive and present-focused mindset, you can reduce unnecessary suffering and approach life's challenges with a clearer and more resilient mindset.