Erin,
I liked the idea of the "Worry Stone Bag" quite a bit. I think it's a good way for people to get a handle on beginning to conquer fear.
To me, there is a difference bewtween "worry" and "concern".
Concern is a manifestation of engagement and is a good thing. When you are aware and present to things around you, you see that things can, and/or should be different. That can prompt action. And again, I think that action on issues of concern is a good thing. It can also prompt planning. And planning, if not taken to the point of obsession, is also a good thing.
Worry, on the other hand, is a manifestation of fear and is NOT a good thing. Fear accomplishes nothing and behooves no one.
To your point, there are situations in which it is normal to feel fear. You named a few. But fear is disempowering. Concern, however, is much more empowering.
I've had my daughter in surgery and the prospect of her dying was something that I did not relish. At first, I was terrified. But I realized that my emotions on this issue were irrelevent; especially if I were afraid. If it was her time to go Home, she would. If it wasn't, chances are her Guides and Allies would be there with her. If I was in a state of fear, I would be unable to help her in the only way I could - by praying and sending her every bit of help I could from every spirit ally and Power I'd ever encountered or even heard of.
My worrry changed to concern and that shift empowered me to take action in a way I couldn't have from a position of fear and posession.
So, with all due respect, I disagree that there is a place in this world for worry. Concern? Absolutely, but only from a position of strength free of fear and ready to take action.
The "what-if?" game, as you called it, is also not inherently bad. It's the emotion and intent behind it that is the key. As my mom always says, "Hope for the best, plan for the worst."
Oh, BTW, before anyone asks, my daughter came through her surgery just fine.
